AFC Divisional Round: Best QB player prop & bold predictions for Texans-Ravens
The AFC Divisional Round matchup between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens will feature two quarterbacks who have been tearing up the league in 2023, two quarterbacks whose paths are colliding in different points of their career.
When it comes to C.J. Stroud, the outstanding rookie quarterback is out to prove he is already one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Coming off an impressive performance in his playoff debut against the Cleveland Browns, Stroud continues to display a combination of leadership and playmaking ability that has transformed a last place team to a solid playoff threat in his first year in the league. His path is just beginning.
When it comes to Lamar Jackson, the 27-year-old quarterback has already proven himself in the regular season, but the ghosts of playoff past has Jackson on a mission to prove he can lead his team to the Super Bowl. While his historic woes have put him in the spotlight, Jackson’s regular season has shown the growth of a quarterback who is primed and ready to take that next step in his NFL career. He won’t have Mark Andrews when the Ravens take on the Texans, but there are other playmakers who can get the job done.
Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens is a collision between two quarterbacks on a mission
Both quarterbacks will put extreme pressure on the opposing defenses. Jackson is a nightmare for defenses because of his ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his feet. He is also good at manipulating the pocket, extending plays and getting the ball down field. Locked in, Jackson has his eyes on the prize, one that Texans edge rush duo Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Greenard will try to strip away…good luck!
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As far as Stroud and the Texans’ offense, the Ravens’ defense has been tough and solid all season long. That poise and maturity Stroud has shown in his rookie season will be put the test and he knows it. But the Ravens also know they are facing a different C.J. Stroud.
[C.J. Stroud] just doesn't look like a rookie quarterback out there,” Ravens defensive end Jadeveon Clowney said, via the team’s official website. “He's making smart decisions with his passing and putting those guys in good situations and not turning it over as much – I think that's good for their side – and he's executing [and] getting the ball out [of] his hand fast. So, for us, we've just got to execute our gameplan and disguise and be on the same page, so we [can] try to get to him."
If any defense can get to Stroud it will be the Ravens defense. In all, a fun matchup ahead for this AFC Divisional Round matchup.
Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens kickoff details: How to watch, betting odds
Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: Fubo TV (try for free)
Betting Odds: Baltimore Ravens -9.5 (via DraftKings)
Texans QB player props: Bet C.J. Stroud Under 235 passing yards (-115)
No, this isn’t the same C.J. Stroud the Ravens faced earlier in the season, but it’s tough to imagine Clowney, Odafe Oweh and a defense that sacked Stroud five times in their regular season matchup get his in this game. That doesn’t mean Stroud won’t make some plays in this game, but he’s due for a subpar game and Baltimore has a defense that can make that happen.
Unless the Texans can run the ball led by Devin Singletary, the offense will rest on the arm of Stroud. He’ll through for a touchdown and have a few eye-opening plays but can’t see him throwing for over than 230 yards against a rested Ravens’ defense pumped up for the challenge.
Ravens QB player props: Bet Lamar Jackson OVER 283.5 pass + rushing yards (-115)
This smells like a game in which Lamar Jackson is going to silence critics when it comes to his performance in the playoffs. Rested, motivated and focused, Jackson will throw for over 250 yards in this game and add a couple long runs that will put him at close to 300 passing and rushing yards combined. I just can’t see the Texans defense on the road finding a way to limit Jackson who has his eyes getting to the Super Bowl.
GameDay Prediction: The bold prediction for this one is the Texans will keep it close early despite the Ravens coming out flying high. Stroud will hit tight end Dalton Schultz for a touchdown early, but the Ravens defense will eventually frustrate Stroud, especially in the second half. Offensively, Jackson will connect with Odell Beckham Jr in the end zone and rush for a couple of touchdowns as the Ravens pull away early in the second half. A late Texans touchdown will make it interesting, but Baltimore prevails: Baltimore Ravens 27, Houston Texans 17.
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