The AFC Divisional Playoffs will conclude this afternoon with a tussle between division winners Houston and Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium in the Charm City. Today’s post-season clash between the Texans and Ravens is scheduled for a 1:00pm ET kick off on CBS. NFL odds makers have the hosting Ravens listed as a -9 against the spread favorite; the Over/Under is set at 37 points. Before making your 2012 NFL Playoff Predictions get the latest Texans vs Ravens Odds available right now.
Forgive the Ravens if they feel just a bit odd this afternoon, they have played seven playoff games since they last hosted one at M&T Bank Stadium. Oddly enough, the road has been much more kind to Baltimore in the post-season as it is 0-2 in its last two home playoff outings, falling 6-15 to Indianapolis in a 2006 Divisional battle and 17-20 to the Titans in a 2003 Wild Card game.
Based upon the current make up of these two teams, its stands to reason the Ravens will snap out of their home playoff funk today. When the pair hooked up for a mid-October battle in Baltimore Ray Lewis and company dominated Houston in a 29-14 win.
The Texans, who played that game with Matt Schaub but without Andre Johnson, managed 18 first downs and 293 total yards. Baltimore, despite turning the ball over twice, racked up 24 first downs and 402 yards of offense. Joe Flacco completed 20-of-33 passes for 305 yards and an interception while Ray Rice rushed for 101 yards on 23 carries.
Baltimore’s third ranked defense (288.9 yards per game allowed) provided the key to victory, though, just as they will this afternoon. With or without Schaub, the ground game is the most critical element of the Texans offense, but it takes on even more importance with rookie T.J. Yates under center. The Ravens limited Houston to 93 rush yards on 25 carries in the last game and star running back Arian Foster failed to crack the 50 yard mark despite carrying the ball 15 times.
Baltimore will key on the run today as well, most likely creating obvious passing situations for the young Yates. The Ravens pass rush will then proceed to give the North Carolina product fits.
Houston had a nice season and it has done exceptionally well dealing with a number of injuries to star players, but its playoff journey ends today. Baltimore wins by double digits again, earning a cover and a meeting with New England in next week’s AFC Championship.
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Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens 2012 NFL Playoff Predictions: Provided by Bovada.lv
Houston Texans +9 (-125), Over 37 (-110), +270 (Moneyline)
Baltimore Ravens -9 (+105), Under 37 (-110), -340 (Moneyline)
