On December 25, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens are set to take on the Houston Texans at 4:30 PM ET for a highly anticipated Christmas Day NFL matchup at NRG Stadium, Houston. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, this game promises to showcase top-tier talent and intense competition.
After securing a thrilling 34-17 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the previous week, the Ravens look to keep their AFC North title hopes alive. John Harbaugh’s squad will be featured prominently on Netflix, making this game all the more special for fans who can enjoy it from their homes. The Ravens currently stand at a 10-5 record, tied for first place with the Steelers, who are also 10-5. The onus is now on Baltimore to secure wins against the Texans and later the Cleveland Browns to clinch the division.
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Ravens, has enjoyed an outstanding season. He ranks among the top five quarterbacks with 3,787 passing yards and is second overall with 37 touchdown passes. Jackson’s play will be pivotal for the Ravens as they aim to capitalize on his dual-threat ability against the Texans' defense.
This game carries significant weight for the Texans as well, as they currently hold the AFC South title with their own 9-6 record. Coach DeMeco Ryans’ team has already secured their spot in the playoffs but aims to improve their seeding with potential victories over the Ravens and upcoming opponents. C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ rookie quarterback, is having his own solid season with 3,492 yards and 19 touchdowns, though he faces the challenge of facing one of the league’s top defenses.
For this Christmas clash, injuries could play a significant role. The Ravens list several players as out for the game, including running back Justice Hill and wide receiver Nelson Agholor, both sidelined due to concussions. Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis is also out with a hamstring injury, and both Zay Flowers and Tre’Davious White are questionable with shoulder injuries. Meanwhile, the Texans will miss wide receiver Tank Dell due to injury, along with notable injuries to offensive and defensive line players such as Juice Scruggs and Denico Autry.
Jackson’s electrifying play has truly energized Ravens fans this season. He leads the league with 75.5 QBR and has thrown only four interceptions. His ability to integrate with new running back Derrick Henry, who has truly found his stride with 1,636 rushing yards, offers Baltimore both power and unpredictability on the ground. With the Ravens undefeated when Henry rushes for over 100 yards, it will be important for Houston's defense to limit his impact.
On the Texans' offensive front, Stroud must perform efficiently against the Ravens' dominating defensive lineup. Baltimore's recent statistics indicate they have allowed the fewest net yards since Week 11, forcing their opposition to adapt on the fly. The defensive powerhouse is led by players like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, who have consistently disrupted opposing offenses.
History favors the Ravens, who lead the all-time series against the Texans, having won 12 of their 14 encounters, including their last five meetings. Their last matchup saw them eliminate the Texans from the playoffs during the AFC Divisional round, where they secured a 34-10 victory.
This Christmas Day matchup not only provides playoff implications but also offers viewers exciting performances, with Netflix streaming the game live. Local broadcasts are also available on CBS, and fans can tune in via the NFL+ app for mobile access. The pre-game buildup hints at the anticipation surrounding what promises to be another captivating chapter between these two AFC rivals.
With Baltimore entering the game as 5.5-point favorites, there are predictions of scoring ranging from 28 to 31 points for the Ravens. While the Texans bring their own strengths to the table, including formidable players capable of explosive plays, inconsistencies brought upon by injuries may hamper their momentum.
Expectations are high as the Ravens hope their recent momentum will propel them past the Texans and bring them closer to securing their playoff aspirations. With stakes this high, fans can mark December 25 on their calendars for what promises to be one of the most exhilarating games of the season.
