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With Lamar Jackson out, this is the Texans' best shot at defeating the Ravens
After the NFL's schedule was released in May, this game between the Texans and the Ravens looked like an automatic loss for Houston. The Texans haven't beat Baltimore since Lamar Jackson arrived in 2018.
Jackson is 5-0 against them, and 3-0 in the last two seasons under DeMeco Ryans, including that 31-2 win on Christmas Day. They've been outscored 90-21 in those three games.
You might as well call Jackson their kryptonite.
But since the 2025 season began, those odds have changed. And whether Jackson, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, was going to play or not — he's not — this is without a doubt the Texans' best chance at taking down the Ravens and getting over the psychological hold this team has against them.
The Ravens have one of the worst defenses in the NFL through four games. And to make matters worse, they have injuries to their best defensive players.
Kyle Hamilton missed practice Thursday, putting his availability for Sunday in question. And Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, Nnamdi Madubuike have already been ruled out with significant injuries.
That's four of the Ravens' best defensive players. Add in the fact that Jackson may miss the game, and it's possible the Texans could win big.
The defense was lights out last week, pitching its first shutout under Ryans. And while the Texans have struggled offensively this season, last week they were finally able to gain their footing against the Titans. Their 20-point outburst in the fourth quarter gave them some confidence.
So maybe, just maybe, they can snap this ugly streak they've had against the Ravens.
I wrote a feature on Texans rookie Woody Marks and how he can be the spark they need. Read it here.
 | Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter |
Fantasy studs and duds
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
SIT
RB Nick Chubb
Why: Chubb will still get some opportunities. But as Woody Marks'...
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Texans Trivia!
Monday's question: Before Sunday's game, which was the last team the Texans shut out?
Monday's answer: Tennessee Titans. Shoutout to Kristen Seams, who has gotten three of the last four Trivia questions!
The next Trivia question will be in Monday's newsletter.
JMA's Prediction
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer
Because the Ravens are dealing with so many injuries and the Texans are fairly healthy, I'm picking Houston to win.
Prediction: Texans 24 Ravens 20