It’s happening.
The Ravens are the No. 1 seed in the AFC and will play their remaining conference playoff games at home. The team is healthy, motivated, and playing on the same page. Todd Monken has integrated his player-centric scheme wonderfully, which is a big reason why Lamar Jackson is the MVP-elect. Mike Macdonald has led his defense to the top ranking in the sport in just his second year as the team’s defensive coordinator.
All that confidence, blended with a decade of anticipation, has yielded a hope among the Ravens Flock that many teams don’t ever experience. This team, playing in this city for these fans, has what it takes to win it all. No doubt about it.
Can they take that first step tomorrow, against a Texans team that thinks they can beat anyone? It won’t be long until we find out.
Houston is led by a rookie quarterback (CJ Stroud) and a rookie head coach (DeMeco Ryans). The duo has reignited the flame of Texan fire. They are absolutely capable of competing with and potentially beating any team in football. They’ve done it the right way, by setting a foundation that will last—a foundation of character, conviction, work ethic, and unwavering belief that they can get the job done.
Other Texans players and coaches have followed suit. Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik is a popular candidate to become a head coach this offseason, and wide receiver Nico Collins had by far the best season of his career in 2023.
Which team will prevail? The veteran, battled-tested Ravens, or the nothing-to-lose Texans? Here are three matchups that could yield the answer.
Kyle Hamilton vs. Nico Collins
In my estimation, Kyle Hamilton should be the Defensive Player of the Year. He’s the best player on the best defense in football. He’s almost like a Lamar Jackson on defense, in that the opposition thinks they’re sure they have him where they want him, but at the last second they find out he flipped the script. A big reason for his success in 2023 was his perseverance through injury, because it proves he’s able to fight through and perform in the toughest moments of a game.
Collins caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards and 8 touchdowns this season. In the Week 1 game between these two teams (also played in Baltimore), Collins grabbed six passes for 80 yards and a healthy 13.3 yards per catch average.
He and Hamilton are nearly identical in size and are the go-to option for their team on their respective side of the ball. While they won’t likely matchup directly against one another, they’re sure to cross paths often on Saturday afternoon. Keep an eye out for these two players, particularly if/when Houston gets in the red zone.
Best on best: Who wants it more?
Kyle Van Noy vs. Laremy Tunsil
Keeping the quarterback clean and upright is paramount for the offense. The man who’s tasked with leading that charge for the Texans is Laremy Tunsil. Now in his 8th season, Tunsil has been a key part of Houston’s resurgence. Run blocking, pass blocking, blocking in space…he can do it all.
Speaking of resurgence, Tunsil is slated to face Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy is in his 10th NFL season, but in his 1st in Baltimore. Before this 2023, he had played nine years for four different teams. He’s had better statistical seasons in the past, except in one key area. Van Noy has notched 9.0 sacks this year, the most he’s ever had in a single season. To be able to produce that much quality with reduced reps (only 3 starts) is very impressive.
Can Tunsil handle a fresh, savvy Van Noy when the Bank is roaring on a key 3rd down, and prevent Stroud from being sacked (or worse)? We shall see.
Rashod Bateman vs. Derek Stingley, Jr.
This is a matchup that distinctly favors the opposition on paper.
Derek Stingley, Jr. is a premier cornerback in this league. He has the size, speed, football intelligence, and swagger necessary to succeed at his position. While Stroud, Collins, and Tunsil anchor the Houston offense, Stingley is one of the tone-setters on defense. To make 39 tackles, 13 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions in only 11 starts would be remarkable, if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s been a walking playmaker for years.
On the other hand, we have Ravens wideout Rashod Bateman. There’s no shortage of anecdotes on how Bateman’s time in Baltimore has been polarizing. There are certainly mixed opinions on the 3rd-year player. On the one hand, Bateman has fought through numerous injuries to be an asset for his team. On the other hand, catching just four touchdowns while starting only 62 percent of games is simply not the expected return for a first round draft pick.
All that said, if Bateman can break off a big gain or two against Stingley, that will instantly release the tension of unfulfilled expectations.
Keep an eye out not so much for Bateman’s overall numbers, but for when he makes the plays he does. The timeliness of Bateman’s involvements tomorrow will tell us all we need to know about his future in Baltimore.
Prediction: Ravens 30, Texans 14
Michael Fast
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.