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

[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.

[Arky]

Weeks 16 & 17 - the last two weeks of the regular season: these have traditionally been in the past weeks when the NFL turns upside down. The strongest teams that have already clinched are slipping into rest-up-for-the-playoffs mode. Next tier teams still fighting for a playoff spot will inexplicably lose to lesser teams. Underdogs will rule the day......

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The following is the complete of inactives for Sunday's game against Baltimore.

HOUSTON
QB Tom Savage
TE Garrett Graham
S Josh Aubrey
ILB Mike Mohamed
WR DeVier Posey
G Xavier Su'a-Filo
OLB Jason Ankrah

BALTIMORE
WR/RS Michael Campanaro
CB Chris Greenwood
ILB Arthur Brown
DT Terrence Cody
G/C Gino Gradkowski
OL Ryan Jensen
DT Casey Walker

[Arky]

And here we go......

Ravens win the toss and defer.

Kickoff goes out of the end zone, touchback. Texans ball at their 20.

[Arky]

Pass to AJ good for 36!

Snap to Foster goes for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Pass to Hopkins gets 8 and the 1st down at the Raven 34.

Short pass to AJ gets 7.

Foster in the wildcat gets 4 and the 1st down.

Pass to AJ goes to the 9 yard line. 1st and goal.

Foster gets caught for loss of 2 but holding makes it -10. Makes it 1st and goal at the 19.

Pass to Hopkins on the sideline goes inc. 2nd and goal coming up.

Draw to Foster just gets a couple. 3rd and goal from the 17 coming up.

Screen to Foster misfires, inc. Texans will go for the FG.

Bullock's 35-yarder is good.

Texans 3, Ravens 0

10:33 left in the 1st qtr.

[Nconroe]

pretty good start for Case with all those quick passes to 80.

[Arky]

Jacoby brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Raven 15. Raven's ball.

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Forsett for 2.

Forsett loses 1. Brings up 3rd and 9.

Flacco scrambles and fumbles out of bounds short of the 1st down. Ravens will have to punt.

K Martin goes nowhere on the punt return. Texans will have the ball at their 25 yard line.