NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Defense Won't Be Only Highlight for Texans vs. Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens will host the Houston Texans this weekend, and while much has been made of the strong defense for both teams, there will be some offensive firepower on Sunday afternoon. 

This AFC Divisional Round matchup takes a backseat to some of the other games this weekend, but that doesn't mean it won't be a good game. 

This is a rematch from a Week 6 game, but this time around the Texans look a little different. Down to their third-string quarterback, the Texans will rely on the defense to keep them competitive, as well as their offensive stars. 

As for the Ravens, everybody knows their defense is top-notch, but in order to win, they need their offense to play the best it ever has. 

Texans to Watch 

Playing on the road is never easy, but against Baltimore it becomes even more difficult. This means Arian Foster and Andre Johnson must be at the top of their game and then some. 

Both players were non-factors in the first meeting between these two teams. Johnson was on the sidelines nursing an injury, and the Ravens' stout defense smothered Foster, only allowing him to rush for 49 yards.

Foster knows he has to step up once again, and he should do so. After all, the Cincinnati Bengals shut him down during the regular season but failed to do so in the postseason. All Foster has to do is come to play like he did last week and the Texans are in good hands. 

Now that he's healthy, Johnson gives the passing game a much-needed upgrade. T.J. Yates is going to be flustered against this Baltimore defense, which means Johnson has to catch everything thrown his way. 

These two stars will put up good numbers, proving that Houston isn't all about the defense. 

Ravens to Watch

This game rests on mainly on Joe Flacco. Ray Rice is going to get his carries and chew up the clock, but it's Flacco who has to deliver in the key moments to keep drives alive and put points on the board. 

Rice didn't struggle in their first meeting, so don't expect him to falter this Sunday afternoon. If the Ravens wish to reach the Super Bowl, it's all on Flacco. 

The defense is going to do its part to keep the game close, meaning Flacco is the one who has to try and put the game away. 

Another Baltimore player to watch is wide receiver Torrey Smith. He has the ability to burn defenders with his blazing speed on the deep ball, but he can't afford to make any rookie mistakes by dropping the ball.

Prediction 

The defense will make this a lackluster game at the start, but eventually the offensive play will wake up. 

Flacco gets the job done with the pressure on the line, helping the Ravens reach the AFC Championship Game. 

Ravens 21, Texans 17 

2012 NFL Playoff Schedule

Divisional Round

Saturday, Jan 14

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers—4:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots—8:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Sunday, Jan 15

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens—1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers—4:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Conference Championships

AFC Championship Game

Sunday, Jan. 22 on CBS

NFC Championship Game

Sunday, Jan. 22 on FOX

Super Bowl XLVI

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium 

When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET