Ravens vs. Texans: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The title of the "best team in the AFC" is on the line as the Houston Texans host the Baltimore Ravens.

Not only are these the only 5-1 teams in the conference, but there is no one else within two games of catching them in the standings.

Despite the good records, neither squad is coming into the game on a high note. Houston is coming off its first loss of the season, while Baltimore won its game but lost Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb for the year. 

Regardless, it should be an excellent battle and a possible preview of this year's AFC Championship Game.

Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX

When: October 21 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket 

Spread: Texas (-6.5) via Vegas Insider

The line started at four points, but has quickly moved as gamblers put their money down on Houston.

While it will be tough for the Ravens defense to overcome the injuries to two key players, it could get a boost from Terrell Suggs this week if he is able to return. Additionally, this team has won four straight games, second only to the Atlanta Falcons for the longest active streak in the NFL.

Houston has the advantage in this game, but 6.5 points might be too much to cover against one of the better teams around.

Over/Under: 48.5 via Vegas Insider

The Texans were torched by the Green Bay Packers last game and allowed 42 points in the defeat. Joe Flacco is not Aaron Rodgers, but the coaching staff now has a blueprint of how to move the football against this defense.

Baltimore also is weaker on defense than any year of the past decade. 

Both squads should be successful running the football and it should lead to a high number of points in this surprisingly offensive battle.

Injuries (via ESPN)

Ravens

LB Terrell Suggs (Achilles) Questionable

DT Haloti Ngata (Knee) Questionable

CB Jimmy Smith (Abs) Questionable

S Ed Reed (Torn Labrum) Probable

Texans

G Antoine Caldwell (Concussion) Probable

LB Darryl Sharpton (Quad) Out

CB Johnathan Joseph (Groin) Probable

Fantasy Big Plays

Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR

Ray Rice is the key to this offense, but Houston has shut down most opposing running backs this season.

However, receivers that know how to get open have had success against the Texans in recent weeks.

Eric Decker caught eight passes for 136 yards in Week 3. Jordy Nelson finished with 121 yards and three touchdowns. Even Jeremy Kerley of the New York Jets totaled 94 receiving yards, and he does not even have a real quarterback.

Torrey Smith should be able to find holes in the defense and have a successful day from a fantasy perspective.

Texans: Arian Foster, RB

Foster is the No. 1 scoring running back in standard leagues and there is no reason to believe that trend will not continue this week.

The Baltimore Ravens are only 26th in the NFL against the rush with 136.5 yards allowed per game. Without Ray Lewis, the unit gets even weaker. If defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is also unable to go, we could be looking at an incredible performance.

Despite rushing for only 29 yards last week, he should get back on track this Sunday.

Key to Ravens Victory: Regroup on Defense

Losing Ray Lewis does not only hurt on the field. He was the emotional leader for the entire team for the last 17 years. Dannell Ellerbe has the quickness to fill in for the veteran at linebacker, but the defense loses a great deal of passion with the injury.

Unfortunately for the Ravens, they do not have time to worry about it. This is a very important game for postseason seeding and they need to come out strong.

Ed Reed will need to take more of leadership role to keep the defense from falling apart.

Key to Texans Victory: Get Back to the Run

As previously mentioned, the Ravens have the seventh-worst run defense in the NFL. Conversely, Houston has the sixth-best rushing offense.

The Texans seemed to forget this last week as Arian Foster was only able to manage 29 yards on 17 carries. Ben Tate was healthy, but he only received three carries.

These players make up arguably the best rushing tandem in the league. The coaching staff needs to make sure the running backs get the ball early and often to help set up the rest of the offense.

Otherwise, the Ravens will have a chance to keep pace and possibly hand Houston its second loss of the season.

Prediction: Texans 27, Ravens 24

These are two very talented teams, but Houston will have an advantage playing at home. The Texans should also be able to score more easily against a struggling defense.

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