Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL divisional game
The Houston Texans (11-7) flexed its young muscle in the wild card, but they'll get the tall task of facing the No. 1 seed Baltimore Ravens (13-4) in the AFC divisional round.
There were no problems for Houston in the wild card round, routing the Cleveland Browns despite entering the game as underdogs. The defense brought Joe Flacco back down to Earth with two pick-6s in the second half to seal the dominating 45-14 win. The remarkable run for the Texans continues with C.J. Stroud showcasing why he is a contender in the rookie of the year race.
As the top seed in the AFC, the Ravens got the wild card round off and will play their first home playoff game since the 2019 season. Baltimore will also be looking for its first playoff home win since 2012. Can the Ravens show why they are a Super Bowl favorite, or will the magical run for Houston continue?
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Ravens vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/under
The Ravens are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Ravens (-9.5)
Moneyline: Ravens (-450); Texans (+350)
Over/under: 43.5
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NFL divisional round odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Ravens vs. Texans | Bills vs. Chiefs
NFC: 49ers vs. Packers | Lions vs. Buccaneers
Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 28, Texans 21
Baltimore has an athletic and versatile offense, but Houston’s defense, behind mastermind head coach DeMeco Ryans, continues to be underrated. Derek Stingley Jr. has emerged as a top-tier corner and the Texans can get to the quarterback. That said, the Ravens also have a filthy defense. I do like the Ravens to win, but this is a case where I think the line is a touch overinflated, especially since C.J. Stroud is balling out.
Tyler Dragon: Ravens 27, Texans 20
Rookie C.J. Stroud was stellar in his playoff debut and the Texans defense got two pick-sixes against Joe Flacco. The Texans beat up the AFC North’s Browns, but now they’ll face the AFC North champs. The Ravens ended the regular season as the best team in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is the likely MVP and Baltimore possesses a top-five defense. The Ravens should cruise in Baltimore.
Safid Deen: Ravens 28, Texans 24
C.J. Stroud shredded one of the best (but battered) defenses in the NFL in his playoff debut last week against the Browns. But facing the Ravens will be a different monster for the rookie and upstart Texans. Lamar Jackson is on a quest to win his second MVP and lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl. The Ravens have the experience and the motivation to take care of business at home against the Texans.
Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 30, Texans 23
The Ravens will be rested and ready to win. CJ Stroud led the Texans to a magical victory over the Browns in the wild card round, but Lamar Jackson, with his historic contract, is hungry to remind Baltimore why he bet on himself and that they made the right move in doing so too. The only reason to pump the brakes is a nine-point spread feels a bit much considering Houston put up 45 points on the mighty Cleveland defense.
Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 30, Texans 20
Aside from the Week 18 loss to Pittsburgh when the majority of starters didn't play, Baltimore has mostly been unstoppable at home, averaging 34.6 points per game at M&T Bank Stadium in its first eight home games. Unlike most opponents, Houston is a much different team from when it played the Ravens in Week 1 so it won't get blown out, but it'll be a tough task to keep up with Lamar Jackson and company. The Texans started the season with a loss at Baltimore, and it'll end with a loss at Baltimore.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens: Playoff predictions, picks and odds
