The Houston Texans are set for a significant matchup against the Baltimore Ravens this Week 17, which promises to have playoff ramifications as they both vie for positioning entering the postseason. While the Texans have already clinched the AFC South title, they are currently the fourth seed with aspirations to advance. On the other hand, the Ravens will look to solidify their place as possible contenders for both the AFC North crown and beyond.
C.J. Stroud, the sophomore quarterback for the Texans, faces scrutiny heading leading up to this game. Though he began his NFL career with great promise during his rookie season, his recent performances have led some to question his growth on the field. According to Texans Wire, "C.J. Stroud's sophomore slump continues. He’s still a solid player who should be viewed as a franchise signal-caller, but his Offensive Rookie of the Year magic has worn thin since amid an overall underwhelming season." This season, he has accumulated 3,492 passing yards, ranking 12th among NFL quarterbacks, but managing to maintain his place requires consistent improvement.
The Texans' offensive strategy has suffered from injuries to key players, especially the absence of Tank Dell, who has proven instrumental to Stroud's effectiveness. The results are noticeable: with Dell on the field, Stroud averaged 8 yards per pass attempt; without him, this number drops to 7.0 yards, indicating the depth of the impact Dell's injury has had on their offensive output. This change is compounded as the Texans enter the game against the Ravens with two starting interior linemen unavailable due to injury, raising concerns about Stroud's pass protection.
The Ravens come to Houston with their own objectives. Currently positioned as the fifth seed, Baltimore needs to perform at their best, led by potential MVP candidate Lamar Jackson. Jackson continues to contribute significantly to his team’s success, throwing multiple touchdown passes in eight of his last nine games. The Ravens will leverage their formidable defense, ranked high among NFL units, as they aim to pressure Stroud, who has faced difficulties under duress this season. The Ravens have generated impressive defensive metrics, including 48.4% pressure without blitzing, highlighting the challenges Stroud might face in the pocket.
When these teams met previously, the Ravens emerged victorious, showcasing their dominance over the Texans. The dynamics have shifted since then, as evidenced by the performance metrics of both teams. According to PFN, C.J. Stroud is now projected to score approximately 15 fantasy points this week, which translates to around 221 passing yards, 1.2 touchdowns, and 0.3 interceptions, emphasizing the need for him to exceed these projections to help the Texans secure victory.
Understanding the conditions on the field, both teams have faced setbacks. Houston has struggled to maintain consistency this season, highlighted by their inability to secure consecutive wins easily. Stroud himself is at the center of this analysis, and some observers have suggested he may be struggling to cope without Dell, one of his primary receiving threats. His past 19 games were more favorable without any interceptions—an impressive accomplishment—yet his recent six interceptions across 97 deep pass attempts indicate significant regression.
While the Texans have shown they can perform under pressure, needing to overcome adversity has become part of their game plan. The Ravens' defense will undoubtedly be tested as they aim to exploit Stroud's weaknesses. They have effectively shut down opposition attacking capabilities, and if the Texans are to be competitive, Stroud will have to deliver prime performances.
Adding to the challenges for the Texans is the proximity of the postseason, making each game increasingly important. A victory against the Ravens would not only add to their confidence but also establish them as serious playoff contenders. The Texans can draw upon their resilience and abilities established through the season—should they succeed, it would not be just another regular-season game for them.
Despite the issues concerning injury and performance, C.J. Stroud continues to be viewed as the long-term solution for the Texans. His performance leading up to this important game will firmly impact the team's future outlook. While the Ravens pose formidable challenges, success depends on Stroud. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely this Christmas Day to see if he can turn the tide and rise to the occasion, securing his place as one of the premier quarterbacks of his generation. If he can outplay his current outlook, it could signal great things for himself and the Texans heading toward potential playoff glory.
