Injuries Loom Large as Texans Face Ravens in Key Week 5 Matchup

The Houston Texans travel to Baltimore on Sunday for a pivotal Week 5 clash against a Ravens team that has long had their number. The Ravens own a 13-2 record against Houston, including last season’s 31-2 blowout win on Christmas. But Texans coach DeMeco Ryans dismissed the weight of history, saying, “The past is the past” (via ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime). Wideout Nico Collins acknowledged the lopsided loss but said it’s time for the team to “turn the page” (via ESPN).

For Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the matchup has been particularly difficult. Baltimore is 3-0 against him, holding him to an average of just seven points per game. But this is not the same defense Houston faced before. The Ravens are dealing with injuries to six defensive starters, including Pro Bowlers Kyle Hamilton (groin), Roquan Smith (hamstring) and Marlon Humphrey (calf). With so many new faces on the field, outside linebacker Tavius Robinson emphasized communication: “It’s just about doing a little extra in communication” (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley).

The Ravens’ defense has already shown vulnerability, allowing 35 points in three of their first four games — tying a franchise record for the most such games in a season, according to ESPN Research. That leaves an opening for Houston, which has struggled at times but also shown flashes of explosive offense. Running back Woody Marks is coming off a breakout game in Tennessee, finishing with 21 touches and nearly 28 fantasy points. Now, he faces a Baltimore defense that has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game to running backs this season (141.3), per ESPN’s Eric Moody.

If Lamar Jackson’s hamstring injury keeps him sidelined, Baltimore is expected to lean heavily on Derrick Henry. Analyst Seth Walder predicted Henry could log a season-high 22 or more rushing attempts, particularly against a Texans defense that thrives in the pass rush but struggles against the run.

Oddsmakers highlight the contrast in styles. The Texans have gone under the total in all four of their games this season, while the Ravens have gone over in every contest, according to ESPN Research. In what projects to be a close, swing-heavy game, turnovers and short fields may decide the outcome.