Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Betting Preview, Odds & Prediction, 1–20–2024

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4 min readJan 18, 2024

Free NFL Prediction by Sean Cassidy of ATSExperts.com

Sean Cassidy is 63–37 (63%), +$11,745 this Season in NFL

Houston Texans (11–7) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13–4)

2024 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens

The highly anticipated 2024 AFC Divisional Playoff Football Game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens is set to take place on Saturday from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. This highly anticipated matchup features two talented teams with aspirations of making it to the Super Bowl. Houston is coming off of a blowout win against Cleveland in the Wild Card Round, while Baltimore was able to enjoy a first-round bye. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Texans vs Ravens prediction.

Texans vs. Ravens Game Info

Date: Saturday, January 20, 2023
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
Spread: Texans +9.5, Ravens -9.5
Moneyline: Texans +370, Ravens -480
Total: 43.5

Texans Betting Preview

The Houston Texans turned some heads last week in their win over the Browns. Houston had a well-rounded performance from all units, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Led by superstar quarterback CJ Straud, the Texans' offense is explosive and dynamic. With Watson’s quick decision-making and accurate passing, the Texans offense is capable of scoring points in a hurry. Devin Singletary is the leading rusher, while Nico Collins has been Stroud’s favorite target. This season the Texans averaged 22.2 PPG while allowing 20.8 PPG. Houston will need to sure up the defense a little facing this potent Ravens offense after allowing the Browns to convert 7–15 3rd down plays. You can’t allow Lamar Jackson and this Ravens offense to convert over 50% of 3rd downs and expect to win this game.

Ravens Betting Preview

The #1 seed Baltimore Ravens should be fresh after having a first-round bye but they will be facing a Texans team that is confident after their win over the Browns. The Baltimore Ravens have been a powerhouse in the AFC for several years, consistently making deep playoff runs. Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens offense is a blend of power and speed. Jackson’s electrifying running ability combined with his strong arm gives the Ravens a unique offensive weapon. Baltimore has won six of their last seven games, with the only loss coming against the Steelers in the final week of the season when they were resting starters. The Baltimore offense is scoring 28.4 points per game with 213.8 passing yards per game and 156.5 rushing yards per game. Baltimore’s balanced attack capable of both airborne and on-ground plays poses serious challenges to the Texans’ defense. Defensively, the Ravens are known for their physical play and relentless pursuit of the ball. They have a talented defensive line that harasses opposing quarterbacks and a staunch secondary that excels in press coverage. They ranked 1st in the NFL allowing just 16.5 PPG and rank in the top 10 in total yards and passing yards. The Baltimore Ravens are about as complete of a team in the NFL.

Free Pick

These teams met in Week 1 with the Ravens winning 25–9 as -9.5 point favorites, the same spread we see this weekend. The difference this weekend is rookie QB CJ Stroud is much more comfortable under center for this Texans offense. Head Coach Demeco Ryans has this team believing in their abilities and they will need to have a flawless game matching up with the best team in the NFL. Overall, while both teams will put up an intense fight, the Ravens may be the more reliable pick given their home advantage and recent form. I like this Ravens team to advance but laying -9.5 points against a confident Texans team is a little rich and I feel the Texans should keep this a close enough game to cover the spread. I’ll gladly take the +9.5 points and back the Texans on the road.