HOUSTON, TX — The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Baltimore Ravens travel to Houston to take on the Texans in a Week 17 clash that will decide more than just division bragging rights. With both teams entering this matchup at 13-2, the winner will almost certainly lock up the coveted first-round bye in the AFC playoffs. It’s a battle for supremacy, and the Ravens face added pressure with the Cleveland Browns hot on their heels, also sporting a 13-2 record.
For Baltimore, this is about redemption and proving they can come out on top when it matters most. The Texans hold the tie-breaker over them, thanks to a stronger conference record. That fact adds extra urgency for the Ravens, who cannot afford to stumble with Cleveland breathing down their necks. The Browns, one of Baltimore’s two losses, loom large in the standings but the Ravens hold the head-to-head advantage.
Ravens Offense Without Jackson, Turn to Huntley
The Ravens’ offense has been dealt a serious blow heading into Week 17 with the loss of their superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, who had been putting up MVP-caliber numbers with 3,944 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and an additional 570 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, is out for the rest of the season, including the playoffs, after suffering a broken collarbone in last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In Jackson’s place, the Ravens will turn to backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who struggled after stepping in against the Steelers. Huntley completed 13 of 20 passes for 100 yards, threw 2 interceptions, and finished with a quarterback rating of just 37.4. While Huntley has shown flashes of potential in the few limited action plays he’s seen earlier in the season (Week 3 against Dallas, Week 6 against Washington, and Week 9 against Denver), this will be his first full-game test with major playoff implications on the line.
With the change at quarterback, expect the Ravens to lean heavily on their running game. Derrick Henry will be the focal point of the offense, coming into this matchup with 1,137 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. If Henry can get going early, it will take some of the pressure off Huntley, allowing the Ravens to control the clock and keep Houston’s high-powered offense on the sidelines.
Tight end Mark Andrews, who has been a reliable target for Baltimore all season, with 947 receiving yards, will also need to step up. Andrews becomes even more critical in Huntley’s development, serving as a safety valve and a go-to option on critical downs.
Texans’ High-Octane Offense Powered by Stroud
Texans QB sensation C.J. Stroud has been nothing short of spectacular, throwing for 4,411 yards, 40 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions. His connection with Stefon Diggs, who has 1,041 yards and 15 touchdowns, has turned Houston’s offense into one of the most feared in the league, averaging 36.1 points per game—ranking second in the league.
But the Texans aren’t just a pass-happy team. Running back Ty Chandler has quietly put together an outstanding season with 1,586 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Chandler’s ability to complement Stroud through the ground game gives Houston a balanced attack, making it difficult for defenses to key in on one aspect of their offense.
Key Defensive Matchups
Baltimore’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain the Texans’ explosive weapons. The Ravens rank 7th in the league, allowing 23.4 points per game, but Houston’s offense is arguably the best they’ve faced this season. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey will likely draw the tough assignment of covering Diggs, and if Baltimore can limit Stroud’s deep strikes, they stand a much better chance of pulling off the upset.
On the flip side, the Texans’ defense, despite their high points-allowed ranking, thrives in opportunistic situations. With a pass rush led by Jerry Hughes, they’ll look to disrupt Tyler Huntley and force mistakes. With Huntley’s inexperience, Houston’s defense will look to rattle the backup quarterback early and capitalize on any miscues.
Injury Report
The Texans come into this game healthy, with no major injuries to report. For Baltimore, however, the loss of star quarterback Lamar Jackson is devastating. Jackson is out with a broken collarbone, sustained in last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. Defensive tackle, Michael Pierce is also out for the Ravens with a dislocated elbow.
What’s at Stake
The winner of this game will likely secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC, granting them the all-important first-round bye. However, the stakes are particularly high for the Ravens. If Baltimore loses and the Cleveland Browns win their Week 17 matchup, the Ravens would fall to 5th place in the AFC playoff picture, as the Browns would take the AFC North crown with a 14-2 record, while the Ravens would drop to 13-3. This scenario would set up a huge Week 18 showdown between the Ravens and Browns, likely for seeding purposes and momentum heading into the playoffs.
If the Texans lose, they would drop to the second seed, while maintaining a top-two spot and securing a home playoff game. For both teams, the outcome of this game could dramatically alter the path to the Super Bowl.
Prediction
Expect fireworks in this one. Both teams boast top-tier offenses, and with so much on the line, this game could come down to who has the ball last. The Texans’ slight edge in offensive firepower and home-field advantage might just be enough to propel them to a win, especially with Jackson sidelined. However, don’t count out Baltimore, who have shown resilience all season. So, buckle up, folks—it’s going to be a wild ride!
Damnn, would have loved to see this one with Lamar playing!!