Arguably, the best week of football is the divisional round. That typically features the best teams in the league. You could argue it is not this year, but I think the number of teams still in it proving the doubters wrong makes it exciting. Let’s get into one of those games that features a team that has proven everyone wrong.
Texans vs Ravens Betting Odds
Picks in this piece are courtesy of Bovada. At Bovada, you can get great odds on all of the top college basketball matchups every day.
Spread
Texans: (+9.5) (-110)
Ravens: (-9.5) (-110)
Total
Over: 43.5 (-110)
Under: 43.5 (-110)
Moneyline
Texans: +320
Ravens: -430
Texans vs Ravens Prediction:
The Cinderella story of the 2023 Houston Texans continues onto the AFC Divisional Round. The squad is led by their rookie tandem of head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud. After steamrolling the Browns in Super Wild Card weekend by 31 points, they head to Baltimore to take on a team the odds makers would say should be the team to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
The Ravens have been on a tear since Lamar tweeted/posted (whatever Elon calls it these days) “Johnny.” This is the year the Ravens could make some serious noise in the playoffs and get to the promise land.
Did you know since the Johnny Tweet the #RavensFlock are 9-1, average 30.8 PPG, are the #1 rushing team, and Lamar has more total yards, fewer turnovers per game, and a better passer rating?https://t.co/BnFnxc2jex#nfl #NFLTwitter #Ravens #BaltimoreRavens #LamarJackson pic.twitter.com/35nZJYXuBz
— Fanatics Sports (@FanaticsSportss) December 27, 2023
The Stank:
As much as I wish this would be about how I am backing the Texans so their incredible story can continue. I am terribly sorry, but it’s the Ravens.
With the possible return of Mark Andrews, Lamar Jackson not only gets his safety blanket back, but his offense adds significant depth. Since his injury in week 11, the Ravens went 6-1 and averaged 29.1 points per game. During that span, Lamar Jackson solidified himself as the front-runner for league MVP. Adding their star-tight end back into the mix is going to be lethal.
Mark Andrews said that if he feels like he can be a help Saturday vs. Houston, he’ll go. If not, he won’t. pic.twitter.com/0non4TDejM
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 17, 2024
On top of that, their defense has been lights out all season, allowing a league-best 16.5 points per game. They should be able to get after Stroud all game long. Baltimore’s secondary has been fantastic all season, allowing under 200 yards per game through the air. There will be limited opportunities for the Texans to throw the deep ball, as the Ravens are first in yards per pass. Those iconic deep balls to Nico Collins might not be seen again until next fall.
This is not the first time these two have seen each other this season. They faced off in week 1, the Ravens won 25-9. You could argue, “Well, that was Stroud’s first game. He has improved.” That’s fair, but he never faced a defense of that caliper since maybe the Jets in week 13. The Texans were held to 6 points, and Stroud threw for 91 passing yards.
Lamar will not make the mistakes Joe Flacco had last week against this Texans’ defense. He has been locked in all season long. The passionate die-hard fans should add a lot of pressure to the Texans’ young quarterback. Saturday should be mayhem, and it should be must-watch television.
Prediction: Ravens Win
Concerns: C.J. Stroud has alligator blood and will not be stopped. Or that the Ravens are still fraudulent in the postseason. However, I think this Ravens squad is different from the rest. Sadly, this should be the end of the road for this exciting and young Texans team.
Pick: Ravens (-9.5) Get These Odds & Sign Up Bonus @ Bovada
Interested in More Content?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @C_marchio2 for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
While you are at it go get some merch at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
