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The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is here, we’re eagerly awaiting the showdown between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this game promises to be an intense battle between two top-tier teams. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive prediction, pick against the spread, and the latest odds for this highly anticipated matchup.
Houston Texans Season Review
The Houston Texans had a solid regular season, finishing with a record of 11-5 and winning the AFC South division. Led by star quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Texans’ offense has been potent all season, ranking in the top 10 for points scored per game. Their defense, anchored by J.J. Watt, has also been strong, particularly in creating turnovers. The Texans will enter this game with confidence, having defeated the Buffalo Bills in a thrilling overtime victory in the Wild Card Round.
Baltimore Ravens Season Review
The Baltimore Ravens have been the team to beat in the NFL this season, finishing with an impressive 14-2 record and securing the top seed in the AFC. Led by likely MVP Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ offense has been unstoppable. They finished the regular season as the highest-scoring team and the top rushing team in the league. Their defense has also been outstanding, allowing the fewest points per game. The Ravens enter this game on a 12-game winning streak after a bye week in the Wild Card Round.
Head-to-Head Matchup
This will be the second meeting between the Texans and the Ravens this season. They faced off in Week 11, where the Ravens dominated with a 41-7 victory. Lamar Jackson torched the Texans’ defense, throwing for four touchdowns and rushing for another. The Ravens’ defense also stifled Deshaun Watson and the Texans’ offense, forcing two interceptions and holding them to a season-low seven points. This lopsided result will undoubtedly be fresh in both teams’ minds as they prepare for this crucial playoff matchup.
Prediction and Pick Against the Spread
The Ravens head into this game as clear favorites, and it’s easy to see why. They have been the most dominant team in the NFL this season, and their unique and explosive offense has been nearly impossible to stop. On the other hand, the Texans have shown inconsistency throughout the season, often relying heavily on Watson’s brilliance to secure victories.
While the Ravens are rightfully favored, this is the playoffs, and anything can happen. Deshaun Watson is a proven playmaker, and the Texans’ offense has the potential to put up points against any defense. J.J. Watt’s return has given their defense a significant boost, and they have the talent to make it difficult for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense to execute.
The Ravens are favored by 9.5 points. While this seems like a large margin, the strength of the Ravens’ offense and defense make it hard to bet against them. However, the Texans have proven they can compete with top teams, and they have the talent to keep the game within reach. As such, our pick against the spread is the Texans +9.5.
Latest Ravens vs. Texans Odds
As of the time of this writing, the latest odds for the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens matchup are as follows:
Houston Texans: +9.5
Baltimore Ravens: -9.5
The matchup between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens promises to be a thrilling divisional round clash. The Ravens enter this game as the favorites, boasting an explosive offense and a dominant defense. However, the Texans have the playmakers and the resilience to make this a competitive game. Our prediction is a hard-fought victory for the Ravens, but with the Texans covering the spread. As always, in football, anything can happen, and this game has all the ingredients for an instant classic.
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