The number one seed in the AFC playoffs will kick off the Divisional round as the Baltimore Ravens host the Houston Texans. Baltimore owns home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Meanwhile, Houston must become road warriors for the rest of the postseason as they are the lowest seeded team left on the AFC side. Let’s preview the Texans and Ravens.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans rolled the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round 45-14 in a result this writer did not see coming. Houston’s defense picked off Joe Flacco twice returning both for touchdowns. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 16 of 21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Stroud finished with a near perfect passer rating of 157.2. Houston dominated Cleveland the entire game.

Now, Houston must leave the friendly confines of NRG Stadium for a tough road game in Baltimore. The Texans split their road games this year, finishing the season 4-4. Their only win against a playoff team on the road was the season finale in Indianapolis. Expect this to be a true test for Stroud and first year head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens finished 13-4 winning the tough AFC North that had three teams makes the playoffs and all four finish above .500. Baltimore lost the final game of the regular season to Pittsburgh when they rested their starters. Before that season finale loss, the Ravens won six straight games including three over playoff teams in that six game stretch.

The only issue facing the Ravens is previous playoff struggles. Baltimore made the playoffs three times, previously, under quarterback Lamar Jackson. As a starter, Jackson is 1-3 in the postseason. That includes a home loss to the Tennessee Titans when the Ravens secured the number one seed in January 2020. Baltimore and Jackson have a chance to figure out how to clear that hurdle Saturday.

Texans vs. Ravens Predictions

The Texans have now played five games against teams that made the playoffs, winning three, with their victory over Cleveland in the Wild Card round. Houston’s best win in the regular season was either a 30-6 win over Pittsburgh or a close 39-37 win over Tampa. Both of those wins came in Houston.

Baltimore played nine games against teams that made the playoffs, going 6-3. Pittsburgh swept Baltimore while the Ravens split the season series with Cleveland. It should also be noted that Baltimore rested its starters in the final game against the Steelers. The Ravens also opened the season with a win at home against the Texans. I expect Houston’s season to end the same way it began with a loss to the Ravens in Baltimore.

Final Score – Baltimore Ravens 35 | Houston Texans 10

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