Texans vs. Ravens: Houston Comes Up Short as Baltimore Heads to New England

The Baltimore Ravens beat the Houston Texans and earned their spot into the AFC championship game to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

To many this isn't a surprising outcome, as the Ravens were the favored team coming into the matchup. That being said, the Texans and running back Arian Foster gave them a run for their money.

Foster ran for 132 yards and a touchdown and was a major reason the Texans were able to stay in the game, but Baltimore's defense came up big as well, forcing rookie T.J. Yates into 17-of-35 throwing for 184 yards no touchdowns and three interceptions.

Joe Flacco on the other-hand had a steady game as he completed 14-of-27 for 176 yards and two touchdowns.

Cornerback Lardarius Webb snagged two of Baltimore's interceptions while future Hall Of Fame safety Ed Reed got the other.

If there was anything to damper the spirits of the Ravens faithful it was the sight of Reed being carried off the field  after landing very awkwardly while defending the Texan's attempt at a Hail Mary pass.

Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times is reporting via his Twitter that Reed says he will be okay though:

This is great news for the Ravens, as they are undoubtedly going to need Reed against Brady and the Patriots, who just dropped 45 on the Denver Broncos.

Brady threw for 363 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in that game, so the Ravens are going to need every man on deck.

They will also have to play better on offense, and hope Flacco can get things going.

All-in-all, it should be a fantastic AFC championship between these two perennial contenders.