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The Baltimore Ravens will unveil their new-look offense with a home matchup against the rebuilding Houston Texans. Lamar Jackson will be directing a modern passing attack for the first time in his career, while rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will make his NFL debut against a stout Ravens defensive unit.
Baltimore Ravens vs Houston Texans – game predictions
Contents
The Ravens are a massive 9.5-point home favorite with a total of 43.5 points. The line has moved slightly down from 10 as we get closer to game day, and the Ravens have defeated the Texans by double-digit points in their last two meetings.
Prediction 1: Ravens -9.5 @ -110 (1.91)
Jackson is unbeaten in two games against the Texans with 559 total yards, five touchdowns, and a passer rating of 134.5. The former Heisman Trophy winner has posted a 3-1 record in four Week 1 starts with 12 scoring passes and one interception. Free agent Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers have upgraded a subpar receiving group. Houston has won just 11 of 50 games the past three seasons but has added three top-3 picks (CB Derek Stingley Jr., QB C.J. Stroud, and DE Will Anderson Jr.) in the last two drafts. The Texans are headed in the right direction but do not have enough offensive firepower to prevent the Ravens from earning a lopsided win.
Prediction 2: Gus Edwards over 31.5 rushing yards @ +275 (3.75)
The Ravens should have a commanding lead in the final quarter, which means added touches for Edwards. The six-year veteran averaged 48.1 rushing yards per game last year and posted 50-plus yards in six of nine games. The Texans were the worst team against the run in 2022 and surrendered a league-high 2,894 yards and 25 touchdowns. Look for Edwards to have 10-15 carries in Week 1 and go over 31.5 yards.
Ravens vs Texans preview – Can the Texans score enough points?
Houston will look to establish the running game to keep their rookie quarterback from high-pressure situations. However, if the Ravens race out to an early double-digit lead, the Texans will be forced to put the ball in the air against a banged-up secondary that will be without Marlon Humphrey.
Baltimore Ravens news and injuries
The Ravens’ new pass-oriented offense will vault Jackson back into the MVP race, but don’t expect Baltimore to fully abandon its trademark running game. Tight end Mark Andrews has averaged 90 receptions over the past two seasons but is questionable with a quad injury.
Baltimore Ravens injury report
• CB Marlon Humphrey (foot) is out
• TE Mark Andrews (quad) is questionable
Houston Texans news and injuries
The Texans stumbled to a 3-13-1 finish last year and hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to lead the rebuilding franchise. Houston will be a better team this season but will have to wait for Stroud to develop into a franchise-caliber quarterback.
Houston Texans injury report
• S Jimmie Ward (hip) is out
• WR John Metchie III (hamstring) is out
• LB Blake Cashman (hamstring) is out
• RB Dare Ogunbowale (hamstring) is questionable
Ravens vs Texans head to head record
The Ravens are 10-2 against the Texans and have won the last three meetings:
• 2020: Ravens won 33-16 in Houston
• 2019: Ravens won 41-7 in Baltimore
• 2017: Ravens won 23-16 in Baltimore
• 2014: Texans won 25-13 in Houston
• 2013: Ravens won 30-9 in Baltimore
Key match details
• Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m. ET
• Venue: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland
• Where to watch match in UK: Sky Sports (TV), fuboTV, or other live stream
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