On Christmas Day 2024, the Baltimore Ravens are set to clash with the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, delivering excitement to NFL fans with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. The game is unique as it will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, marking the beginning of the NFL’s foray onto the platform for live games.
This matchup carries significant weight for both teams. With the Ravens holding a 10-5 record, they are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the lead in the AFC North, and they may claim the division championship with wins over the final two weeks of the season. Conversely, the Texans, sporting a record of 9-6, have already secured the AFC South title and are determined to solidify their playoff seeding.
Houston suffered a setback heading to Christmas, losing key receiver Tank Dell to injury during their previous game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dell, who dislocated his knee and tore his ACL, leaves the Texans without one of their top offensive weapons, critically impacting their strategy against Baltimore. Meanwhile, the Texans have acquired Diontae Johnson from the Ravens off waivers, attempting to fill the void left by Dell.
The Ravens have been on fire since their Week 14 bye, showcasing their strength through consecutive dominant wins, outscoring opponents 69-31 and clinching their playoff berth with a victory over the Steelers last week. Baltimore’s offensive prowess has been on full display, as they average over 30 points per game, ranking among the top offenses in the league. Lamar Jackson, now one of the NFL MVP favorites, has orchestrated this high-powered offense, throwing for multiple touchdowns consistently.
Defensively, the Ravens have made significant improvements since recent weeks, currently allowing only 19.2 points per game, which has shifted the dynamics of their matchups significantly. The convergence of Baltimore's high-octane offense against Houston's struggling offense, which is now devoid of some significant playmakers, creates intriguing headlines.
Betting enthusiasts are keeping their eyes on the spread, which has seen initial movement favoring the Ravens, opening as 3-point favorites and seeing some movement upwards to -4. Early betting trends indicate public confidence backing Baltimore, as evidenced by over 68% of tickets and money favoring the Ravens on certain platforms.
Current odds project Baltimore comfortably favored for this Christmas clash, with moneyline odds listed at Ravens -218 and Texans +180. The Over/Under total sits at 47.5, with many betting experts predicting a higher-scoring game largely influenced by the Ravens' offensive consistency.
Inside the matchup, Baltimore’s running game remains formidable, especially with running back Derrick Henry expected to find gaps against a Houston defense struggling with injuries and depth. This dynamic gives the Ravens multiple angles of attack as Jackson can efficiently spread the defense and utilize his legs as well.
Meanwhile, Houston’s struggles on offense could be compounded by their offensive line, which ranks low on pass-block metrics. Young quarterback C.J. Stroud's recent performances indicate vulnerability, especially without the support of Dell or Diggs, making turnovers likely against the Ravens’ opportunistic defense.
Despite being favorites, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh recognizes the importance of not underestimations the Texans, noting, “Every game at this level presents new challenges. We’ve seen Houston put together great drives, and we can’t get complacent.”
Structured as part of the NFL's expanded engaging holiday presence, this game also features unique halftime entertainment, with performances — including marquee acts like Beyoncé and Mariah Carey taking center stage, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Historically, this matchup has been heavily tilted toward Baltimore, which leads the all-time series against Houston 12-2, with most of their losses occurring on the Texans' home turf. The Ravens scored impressively last season, demolishing Houston during the playoffs with a 34-10 win.
They’ll be aiming for another decisive victory this Christmas, but the Texans will certainly be motivated to avoid falling victim again, especially at home during the holidays. Given the high stakes involved, fans from both franchises are eager for not just victory but also the thrill of providing memorable moments for the holidays.
