Texans vs. Ravens Point Spread: NFL Week 5 Odds, Prediction
The Houston Texans finally got in the win column last weekend, while the Baltimore Ravens added to their already crowded injury list in another disappointing loss. The two 1-3 teams meet up in Baltimore on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
C.J. Stroud threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns while rookie running back Woody Marks totalled 119 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage as the Texans blanked the lowly Tennessee Titans, 26-0. The shutout was the franchise’s first in 15 years, and the three fourth-quarter touchdowns they scored matched their first three games combined.
The Ravens were soundly beaten in Kansas City by the Chiefs, 37-20. Lamar Jackson left in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, and the shorthanded defence was again overrun. The 133 points the Ravens have allowed in the first four weeks are a franchise record.
With up to seven defensive starters, as well as Jackson, expected to be out this weekend, Baltimore could be headed to uncharted territory, and not in a good way.
The Texans are slim one-point favourites to win on the NFL odds, with the total pegged at 40.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Both teams are 1-3 against the spread this season, and with Jackson expected to be ruled out this Sunday, the Ravens have been flicked to slight home underdogs for this contest – the first time that has happened in a long time.
Houston is the only NFL team to play to the under in all four games this season, while Baltimore is the only squad in the league to play to the over in all four games.
Houston Texans
The Texans expect to be without running back Joe Mixon again this weekend. Marks filled in admirably against Tennessee, running for 69 yards and a touchdown and adding 50 yards and a score on four catches.
The defending AFC South champions are healthy virtually everywhere else. The defence, which is allowing an NFL-low 12.8 points per game, must be salivating at the thought of facing backup Cooper Rush instead of Jackson.
Baltimore Ravens
With Jackson expected out of the lineup for two to three weeks, Rush is expected to make his first start with the Ravens after going 9-for-13 for 52 yards in relief last weekend against the Chiefs.
The veteran quarterback spent his entire seven-year career with the Dallas Cowboys before departing for Baltimore this past offseason. He started eight games in relief of the injured Dak Prescott last year.
On defence, the Ravens are already without Nnamdi Madubuike, who is out for the season, Broderick Washington Jr. and Kyle Van Noy. Roquan Smith (hamstring), Nate Wiggins (elbow) and Marlon Humphrey (calf) all left the Chiefs contest with injuries. Humphrey is expected to be out for multiple weeks, while Smith is currently doubtful to play.
Up to seven starters could be missing from a defence that has surrendered a franchise-worst 133 points through four games.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Texans vs. Ravens?
This one could be ugly. With Rush out there, possibly without left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who also left the Chiefs game with an injured ankle, Baltimore’s offence could be in serious trouble. Facing a Texans defence that has done its job through Houston’s frustrating start and completely shut down all opponents is a worst-case scenario for John Harbaugh.
Baltimore can say that its three losses – against the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and the Chiefs – come against three of the top teams in the NFL. But 133 points surrendered, a league-worst 33.3 per game, is still ridiculous. With a better offence, Houston could dominate both sides of the ball in this contest. I’m going bold and predicting a 21-7 victory for the Texans on the road.
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