Ravens vs. Texans: AFC Divisional Playoff Preview and Predictions
The highly anticipated AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans is set to take place this Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium. After a bye week, the top-seeded Ravens are ready to face off against the Texans, who secured a victory in the wild-card round against the Cleveland Browns. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash between two talented teams.
The Texans’ rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, made history in the wild-card round by becoming the youngest QB to ever win an NFL playoff game. His impressive performance has caught the attention of football fans everywhere. On the other side, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is expected to win his second career MVP award, has had mixed success in the playoffs. With a record of 1-3 in four career playoff games, Jackson will be looking to prove himself on the big stage.
The winner of this game will advance to the AFC championship next weekend, where they will face either the Buffalo Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs. The stakes are high, and both teams are determined to secure their spot in the next round.
Fans can catch all the action of the Ravens vs. Texans game on ABC and ESPN at 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will also be available for streaming on fuboTV, ensuring that no one misses out on the excitement.
As for predictions, USA TODAY Sports experts have weighed in with their thoughts. Jarrett Bell, Chris Bumbaca, Nate Davis, Safid Deen, Tyler Dragon, Victoria Hernandez, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, and Lorenzo Reyes all favor the Ravens to come out on top. Their predictions range from a 10-point victory for the Ravens to a closer game with a 4-point difference. It remains to be seen whether these predictions will come true or if the Texans will pull off an upset.
In addition to the thrilling on-field action, the Ravens’ stadium has attracted a star-studded crowd. Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning was seen catching up with Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, while former NBA star Carmelo Anthony exchanged greetings with tight end Mark Andrews. Other notable attendees include former NBA player Rudy Gay and comedian Stavros Halkias. The presence of these celebrities only adds to the excitement surrounding the game.
Another interesting development is the presence of Jim Harbaugh, head football coach at the University of Michigan. Harbaugh is in Baltimore to support his brother, John Harbaugh, who is the head coach of the Ravens. The two brothers shared a warm greeting as the Ravens arrived at the stadium. It’s worth noting that Jim Harbaugh has been linked to potential head coaching positions in the NFL, including the Los Angeles Chargers and Atlanta Falcons. His appearance at this game has sparked speculation about a potential matchup between the Harbaugh brothers in the future.
Both teams have a history in the NFL playoffs. The Ravens, since becoming the Baltimore Ravens in 1996, have made 15 playoff appearances. They have a respectable record of 16-12 in the postseason and have won two Super Bowls. However, their performance in the divisional round has been less impressive, with a record of 4-7. In the AFC championship game, they have an even 2-2 record.
The Texans, on the other hand, have made seven postseason appearances since their establishment in 2002. They have a slightly negative record of 5-6 in playoff games and have never reached the AFC championship game. The divisional round has been particularly challenging for them, as they are 0-4 in this stage of the playoffs.
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, the Ravens have a dominant record against the Texans. They have won 11 out of their 13 meetings, including a victory in the 2012 AFC divisional playoffs. The two teams also faced off in Week 1 of the 2023 regular season, with the Ravens emerging victorious once again.
Weather conditions may play a role in the game, as the Baltimore forecast predicts temperatures in the low to mid-20s with winds of around 20 mph. The region has experienced snowfall throughout the week, adding an extra layer of challenge for both teams.
In terms of betting odds, the Ravens are heavily favored to win this game. They are listed as 9.5-point favorites according to BetMGM NFL odds. The over-under for total points scored is set at 44 points.
As the Ravens and Texans prepare to battle it out on the field, football fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating a thrilling matchup. The outcome of this game will determine which team moves on to the AFC championship and gets one step closer to the Super Bowl. With star players, celebrity attendees, and a rich playoff history, this game promises to be a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
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