The Baltimore Ravens took the lead in the AFC North with a dominant 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans, combined with a loss by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lamar Jackson was the standout player of the game, showcasing his skills as a league MVP candidate. Jackson had a 48-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, followed by a touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. He also connected with Isaiah Likely for another touchdown in the first half. Jackson finished with 168 passing yards and 87 rushing yards, spreading the ball around to eight different receivers. Derrick Henry also played a crucial role in the win, scoring a touchdown and finishing with 147 rushing yards.
The Texans’ lone score came from a safety in the second quarter, with a tackle on Henry. C.J. Stroud struggled, completing 17 of 31 passes for 185 yards and throwing an interception while being sacked five times. Houston was without wide receiver Tank Dell due to a serious knee injury, compounding their offensive struggles. Nico Collins led the team with three catches for 59 yards, while John Metchie III added five catches for 48 yards. Despite their efforts, Houston only managed to convert 10 first downs on 11 drives, while being outgained by Baltimore 432-211 yards.
The Ravens improved to 11-5 with the win, moving into first place in the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Steelers lost to the Chiefs and fell to 10-6 on the season. Houston’s record dropped to 9-7 following the loss. Overall, Baltimore’s strong performance on both offense and defense helped them secure a crucial victory and take control of their division. Jackson’s dynamic playmaking abilities, alongside contributions from players like Derrick Henry, allowed the Ravens to dominate the Texans and position themselves favorably for the playoffs.
The Ravens’ victory was a team effort, as Jackson spread the ball around to multiple receivers and the defense held the Texans to just two points. Houston struggled on offense, particularly without key players like Tank Dell, and were unable to generate much momentum against Baltimore. Despite their best efforts, the Texans were outmatched by the Ravens on both sides of the ball and suffered a significant defeat. With their latest win, Baltimore solidified their position as a playoff contender and demonstrated their ability to compete against top teams in the league.
Jackson’s stellar performance in the win showcased why he is considered a top contender for the MVP award. His dual-threat abilities as a passer and runner make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he proved his worth once again against the Texans. With crucial games remaining in the regular season, Jackson will be a key factor in the Ravens’ success as they look to secure a playoff spot and make a deep postseason run. The victory over the Texans was a statement win for Baltimore, showing that they are capable of dominating games and asserting their dominance in the AFC North.
