The showdown between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens could mark the first chapter of potentially the next great quarterback rivalry between Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson. Regardless, it is safe to say that both teams will be happy to extend the lead in their respective divisions in Week 11.
The Texans went into their bye on a high note by winning back-to-back games, however, they are now set to begin perhaps the most grueling stretch of the 2019 NFL season. Following their matchup with the Ravens, they will return home on a short week to take on the Indianapolis Colts before hosting the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are flying high after winning their fifth straight with a dominant victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has found his rhythm and emerged as a bonafide MVP candidate because of it. Of course, there is still plenty of work to as they get set to embark on a crucial three-game stretch of their own.
Although Baltimore is one of the hottest teams in the league right now, Houston is well-equipped to pull off an upset on the road for these four reasons.
4. Extra Week To Prepare For Lamar Jackson
If the Texans are going to have any chance of keeping up with the highest-scoring offense in the league, they will need to find a way to make Jackson come flying back to down earth. Of curse, trying to contain a player of his caliber is much easier said than done as evidenced by the recent trial of defenses that have been torched by his versatile skill set.
Fortunately, Houston has had extra time to get their affairs in order thanks to the Week 10 bye and have undoubtedly used that opportunity to get a closer look at his heroics during the clutch wins against the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. This should pay huge dividends when it comes to trying to at least phase out the least dynamic elements of Baltimore's offense.
3. Deshaun Watson Better Equipped For A Shootout
Although the Ravens may be putting up an NFL-nest 33.3 points per game, they have largely relied on their rushing attack to do most of their bidding. This approach has worked spectacularly so far thanks to the efforts of Jackson and running back Mark Ingram since it not only puts points on the board but also keeps opposing offenses from finding their rhythm while being kept off the field.
However, the Texans are one of the few teams capable of striking at any time with Watson under center and no shortage of firepower at his disposal with wide receiver DeAndre and his new favorite red zone target in tight end Darren Fells. If they can compel the Ravens offense to engage in a shootout, then they will successfully be playing this game on their own terms.
2. Texans Defense Will Make Fewer Mistakes Than Ravens Defense
The Ravens defense has enjoyed quite the resurgence in recent weeks while the Texans continue to reel from several key injuries throughout the 2019 campaign. Given all the weapons on offense for both sides, it is safe to assume each team will have their work cut out trying to keep the others from scoring.
While cornerback Marcus Peters has provided a much-needed boost to this defense, he is still prone to giving up big plays thanks to his aggressive style of play. This does not bode well against a receiving corps with that features Hopkins, Will Fuller, and Kenny Stills.
Meanwhile, Houston's on defense success may very well be predicated on simply how well they can tackle.
1. Houston Is More Accustomed To Close Games
The Ravens have managed to pull off some impressive wins in dominant fashion over the last three games. The onus will be on the Texans to ensure that this becomes their undoing in Week 11.
Houston has become used to competing to the very last second in the 2019 campaign with seven of their nine games being decided by even points or less. If the Texans can force this one to go down to the wire, they may suddenly find themselves with the advantage over the Ravens.
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