The NFL’s Christmas day doubleheader comes to a close when the 10-5 Ravens visit the 9-6 Texans in a potential playoff preview. As things currently stand, these two teams are set to meet again in Houston on Wildcard Weekend, making Wednesday’s showdown an interesting litmus test. Baltimore enters the contest as 5.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 46.5 points.
Best Lamar Jackson bet on DraftKings Sportsbook
While the Ravens have plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball, their Super Bowl hopes begin and end with Lamar Jackson. The quarterback has made a strong push for his third MVP award, throwing for 3,787 passing yards and 37 touchdowns while rushing for 765 yards. Regression from Baltimore’s defense, especially in the secondary, has meant more passing situations and some outstanding stat lines.
The Texans have been the opposite of the Ravens, as their defense has improved in spite of a slight statistical decline from quarterback C.J. Stroud. This season, Houston is giving up just 307.3 yards per game, fourth-fewest in the league. The team has been formidable along the defensive line, allowing the eighth-fewest rush yards per attempt in football (4.3). Still, Jackson and bruising running back Derrick Henry pose a different kind of challenge on the ground.
A safe play for most Ravens games is to bank on a heavy dose of rushing, especially in a matchup the team is favored in. However, there is one glaring weakness in Houston’s defense that Baltimore will look to exploit. This season, the Texans have given up 28 touchdowns through the air, last in the NFL. Jackson is nearly automatic inside the 20, leading the league in red zone TDs (29) and ranking fourth in red zone passing percentage (68.9%).
In a game that could see plenty of points, the Ravens will look to get any edge they can over an otherwise elite defense. Due to Baltimore’s skill in the backfield, expect Houston to sell out against the run, opening up the passing game for Jackson and an underrated group of wide receivers.
The Play: Lamar Jackson over 1.5 touchdowns (-150)
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