The Texans travel to Baltimore for this week’s matchup with the Ravens. CJ Stroud and company are coming off their first win of the year and looking to build some momentum. The Ravens are coming off their second straight loss and could be without Lamar Jackson this week. With so much on the line, let’s get right into this one.
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Game Information
Matchup Information
- Location:M&T Bank Stadium; Baltimore, Maryland
- Date: Sunday, October 5th, 2025
- Kickoff: 1:00 PM EST
Quarterback Matchup
- Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud (10-7; 2024 – 219.2 YPG | 20 TD | 12 INT)
- Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson (12-5; 2024 – 245.4 YPG | 41 TD | 4 INT)
Betting Odds
Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Analysis & Breakdown
Broken Wings in Baltimore
The Ravens were 15 minutes from a 1-0 start, up 16 points entering the fourth quarter against Buffalo in Week 1. Baltimore blew their lead, lost the game and proceeded to lose two of their next three. Now the Ravens are 1-3, their star quarterback is out this week and countless names on the defensive side are going to miss time. With Lamar being ruled out for Baltimore, the Ravens will turn to Cooper Rush to take over under center.
This isn’t what anyone expected out of the Ravens but here we are, Baltimore staring down the barrel of a 1-4 start while the Steelers run away with the division. Defensively, even prior to the injuries; Baltimore had been struggling against opposing air attacks. The Ravens ranked 31st in pass yards allowed this year and dead last in points allowed per game.
Baltimore’s given up 37 or more points in three of their four games, the only team held under that mark was the anemic offense of the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens pass rush ranks 23rd this year and they’ve generated just four total sacks. Half of those sacks have come from their All-Pro DT, Nnamdi Madubuike. Unfortunately, Madubuike was just placed on the IR with a neck injury. The team will also likely be without their top defensive back, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins; the team’s top outside cornerback.
Protect Your Investment
The Houston Texans offense has looked bad this year but so much of that has to do with the play of this offensive line. Houston’s offensive line ranks dead last this year and have been letting C.J. Stroud get beat up. Stroud’s been sacked 10 times this year and been a completely different quarterback when given time in the pocket.
This season, when kept clear, Stroud’s completing 72% of his passes for 631 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception. This week the Ravens come into this game severely undermanned on the defensive side of the ball and should have trouble generating real pressure; despite Houston’s poor offensive line play.
Defensively, the Texans have been elite. The Texans have one of the best pass rushes in the league. Houston ranks 5th in pressure rate this year, they’ve recorded 12 total sacks and Will Anderson Jr. is tied for the league lead in pressures generated (25). Houston’s two defensive ends both rank in the top-13 for pressures generated and total sacks. Add to that Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage and you can see why this Texans team ranks #1 in points allowed this year; holding opponents to just 12.8 points per game.
Sunday’s Best Bets
Nico Collins 074.5 Receiving Yards | BetOnline
There’s just absolutely no way I’m going to miss Nico Collins props in this matchup with the Ravens. Like I said above, the Ravens rank 31st in pass yards allowed and are giving up the 8th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. Two of the team’s starting three corners could be on the shelf this week and Nico’s just a matchup nightmare.
Collins is seeing a 27% target share through four weeks, reeling in 18 of his 31 targets for 260 yards and two touchdowns. He’s cleared this line just twice this year, clearing it now in back to back games. Collins is in his fifth year in the NFL, fresh off back to back 1,000 yard seasons and that’s while missing games in back to back years. Last year Nico saw 28% of the target share and this year with Christian Kirk being the team’s WR2, look for that usage to stay the same.
Collins’ has caught 100% of his 18 catchable targets this year and leads the team in all major receiving categories. His connection with Stroud isn’t up for debate and this Texans’ team is at it’s best when Nico’s getting the ball.
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