Official Texans vs. Ravens Game Thread, 12/21/2014

[Arky]

The 7-7 Texans take on the 9-5 Baltimore Ravens this Sunday in an early game at NRG stadium. The Texans are coming off a 17-10 road loss against the Colts while the Ravens are coming off a 20-12 home win over the Jags. The Texans lost two QB's in the Colts game and have acquired Thad Lewis and re-signed Case Keenum to manage/be a backup in this game - it is unknown who the starter will be, the Texans aren't talking. The Ravens are currently holding on to the last wild card playoff spot (6th) in the AFC. The Texans are currently ranked 18th in the ESPN power rankings, the Ravens are 12th.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), Sunday noon CST, Dec 21

Announcers = Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein, Steve Tasker

The line = Ravens by 5 to 6 (83% of the money coming in on Baltimore)

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Two Saturday games this week:

NFLN = Philadelphia at Washington, 3:30 pm CST

CBS = San Diego at San Francisco, 7:25 pm CST

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Other Sunday viewing in the Houston area:

CBS (late) = Indianapolis @ Dallas -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms

FOX (late) = NY Giants @ St. Louis (LATE) -- Thom Brennaman, David Diehl

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Prime Time:

TNF = Tennessee at Jacksonville

SNF = Seattle at Arizona

MNF = Denver at Cincinnati

[Arky]

The 0-8 Keenum was 2-5-1 against the spread last year.....

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Though I've noticed some mostly good Texan pass protection in the last few games, Dumervil + Suggs against Keenum = ewwww.....

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OB's strategy to get one of these QB's (Keenum/Lewis) up and going for this game might show a thing or two about his abilities..... One would think he will ask whoever to be a game manager: lots of handoffs, short, quick passes and when the time is right, the occasional deep ball.... The Ravens secondary is not that strong but will Keenum/Lewis have time?

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Gotta go with the Ravens to win..... Gotta feeling this will be very similar to the Philadelphia game...

[Keith]

I'm not great against the spread, but this seems like a home dog that has some bark. So the early money is coming in on Baltimore... wait for the sharps later though.

Texans D is still playing strong, basically healthy. Can't see the Ravens just piling on points in this one. Maybe Baltimore wins, but this is probably a tough cover. The Texans are cornered, season truly on the line this week. I know BOB called last week "the BIG one", but this is really the team's playoff game.

[Nconroe]

Other than unknown QB, this is almost previous Texans offense including coach against current Texans offense. Plenty fun to watch.

I'm thinking similar result to last week, never know.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by Keith

I'm not great against the spread, but this seems like a home dog that has some bark. So the early money is coming in on Baltimore... wait for the sharps later though.

Texans D is still playing strong, basically healthy. Can't see the Ravens just piling on points in this one. Maybe Baltimore wins, but this is probably a tough cover. The Texans are cornered, season truly on the line this week. I know BOB called last week "the BIG one", but this is really the team's playoff game.

While I agree with most of this, one thing I've learned is when a team has to win (i.e., the cornered team) then they aren't that good to begin with. A good amount of the time (don't have any stats), a "must win" turns into a loss. But I agree that it could be tough cover for the Ravens.... I'm picking the Ravens to win and the Texans to cover the spread... But whatever happens, I'll be rooting for a Texan win....

Texans ATS = 9-5
Ravens ATS = 8-6

[HPF Bob]

I can't imagine Terrell Thuggs and company going easy on inexperienced QBs, particularly when a playoff berth is on the line. Houston won't score above 10 points and Baltimore will get at least 17 even if the refs have to bail them out at the end.

I'm more sure Baltimore will win than whether they will cover.

[Nconroe]

Sounds like Case will be QB. It would be nice if Texans get a win.