Texans vs Ravens, Prediction & Picks: Raven’s Defense Stops Stroud

Week 1 of the NFL Season is here! We get Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens hosting 2nd overall Pick C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.

This will be our first look at Stroud as he leads this Texan’s offense, trying to improve on 17 PPG, ranking 31st last season.

Jackson is back at the helm of this Raven’s offense, and with the additions of Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers, Baltimore added some weapons in the passing game.

Could this be the season they make a deep playoff push?

Let’s start with just winning Week 1, let’s dive in!

Texans vs Ravens Game Information

.@Lj_era8 working for Sunday 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CJgJaedXXd

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 6, 2023

Matchup Information

• Venue & Location: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)
• Date: Sunday, September 10th, 2023
• Kick Off: 1:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: CBS

Betting Odds

Courtesy of Bovada.

Spread

• Texans +9.5 (-105)
• Ravens -9.5 (-115)

Moneyline

• Texans +350
• Ravens -480

Total

• Over 43.5 (-110)
• Under 43.5 (-110)

Baltimore Will Win, But Can They Cover?

The spread seems a little lengthy in my opinion. Ten points seems doable in a game the Ravens should definitely win, however a missed PAT or some other fluke stuff could ruin the cover.

Even though I trust Tucker’s leg, I’m a little worried just in terms of what this Texans offense could do.

With Dameon Pierce, and additions Dalton Schultz and Nico Collins, Stroud could distribute the ball and let his playmakers do the rest.

Regardless, I think the Ravens win this game, and I’ve got some props to prove it.

Texans vs Ravens Player Props

Lamar Jackson over 53.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

We know what Jackson can do on his feet. He’s a scrambler and has plenty of designed runs as well.

This number should be easy for him in the season opener where he’s going to put on a show.

Houston was 32nd in Rushing Yards allowed last season, giving up 170 yards on the ground each game. They were also 29th on Opponent’s Rush Yards Per Attempt, allowing over 5 yards per carry.

With more receiving weapons, attention will be on finding those guys in the secondary. This leads plenty of opportunities for scrambles and QB draws from the best running QB since Michael Vick.

I think we see Jackson end up with 60+ yards on the ground this Sunday.

C.J. Stroud Over 0.5 Interceptions (-140)

Since this line is -150 or better, I will be gladly lay some juice on this guy tossing one pick in his first NFL game.

He’s playing on the road against Baltimore, a very hostile environment and defense.

The Ravens were 9th in the NFL last year in Turnover Margin per game, and 7th at home in that category.

I think the defense can rattle this young QB en route to a dominating victory.

I am more than willing to pay -140 for Stroud to throw a pick in Baltimore.

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