NFL Predictions: Texans vs. Ravens Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Saturday, 15 October 2011 21:30

NFL score predictions are ready to go in our preview of Sunday’s game between the Texans and Ravens.

Start time of Sunday’s NFL game between the Houston Texans (3-2) and the Baltimore Ravens (3-1) is set for 4:05 PM ET, and our preview will include a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.  The odds on this one have the home-team Ravens favored by 8, with the total sitting at 45 points.

Baltimore was a 34-28 winner on the road in overtime against Houston last year, and the Ravens have won all 4 games their franchise has ever played against the Texans.  Houston has plenty of injuries right now and will be without wide receiver Andre Johnson (hamstring) and sack specialist Mario Williams (pectoral) for Sunday’s game.  The Ravens have cornerback Jimmy Smith (ankle) listed as doubtful, while cornerback Chris Carr (thigh), wide receiver Lee Evans (ankle), and guard Ben Grubbs (toe) are listed as questionable.

The Texans started off their season with wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins, but then lost a road game against the New Orleans Saints.  Houston picked up a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their next out, but was on the wrong end of a 20-25 final score against the Oakland Raiders most recently.  Baltimore has wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, and New York Jets, while their lone loss came in a road effort against the Tennessee Titans.

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Quarterback Joe Flacco (973 yards, 49.2%, 7 TD, 3 INT) has been shaky this season, but Baltimore is still capable of scoring some points when the rushing attack is carrying the load.  Houston’s rush defense gives up 4.8 yards per carry and should be easier to score on without Williams in the lineup.  The Ravens don’t have the offense to put up big numbers but they are balanced enough to find the end zone a few times here.

The loss of Johnson is huge for a Houston offense that looked a bit lost after he went down with an injury last week.  Quarterback Matt Schaub (1377 yards, 59.8%, 9 TD, 5 INT) didn’t look comfortable throwing to some of his other weapons, and the Texans don’t figure to run the ball that well against a Baltimore defense that gives up just 72.5 rushing yards per game.  Schaub figures to find tight end Owen Daniels early and often, but they’ll lack explosiveness without Johnson’s speed.

With the Texans’ offense hobbled and their defense lacking their playmaker, I just don’t see any way that Houston can stick with the Ravens here.  Baltimore will grind it out with the running game and be successful at doing it.  The Texans will be forced to pass when the Ravens get a lead and I believe that Baltimore will force some turnovers and turn them into easy points once that happens.

Texans vs. Ravens Score Predictions:

Texans 17

Baltimore 31