NFL game of the week: Texans vs. Ravens

The NFL has already reached Week 5, and with it comes one of the most interesting matchups in this early season.

At the start of this season, a matchup between the Texans and Ravens would have been bookmarked as a must-see battle between AFC playoff teams.

Now, this game is pivotal for both squads for all the wrong reasons.

The Houston Texans enter this matchup with a 1-3 record and a lot of issues to be resolved, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Through the first month of the season, Houston has scored just 16 points per game, the fourth-lowest mark in the league. Quarterback CJ Stroud has also struggled to open the season, throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions so far.

Thankfully for the Texans, they get to face a depleted and vulnerable Baltimore defense.

The Ravens also enter this game 1-3 while allowing the most points per game in the league (33.3). Even so, they will be missing several defensive starters.

Baltimore will be without Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, Kyle Van Noy and potentially Nate Wiggins on Sunday, four of the best defenders on the team.

These inactives do not include the loss of Nnamdi Madubuike, who is out for the year with a neck injury.

These injuries, however, are far from the most impactful in this game.

It is unlikely that quarterback Lamar Jackson will play due to a hamstring injury, meaning Cooper Rush will be the starter.

This completely changes the dynamic of the Ravens’ offense. They will likely look to lean more heavily on Derrick Henry and the ground game, leaving Rush in a position to manage the game rather than try and win it.

This plays right into the hands of a phenomenal Houston defense, which has allowed the fewest points per game (12.8) led by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., two of the best edge rushers in the league.

All signs point to this game being a low-scoring grind. The losing team will fall to 1-4, putting a severe dent in their playoff chances.

If the Texans win, it will be their second straight victory, giving them some positive momentum heading into their week 6 bye.

If the Ravens win, they will keep their head just above water during a potential multi-week absence of their MVP quarterback.

This game will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday on CBS.

Brendan Kern is a second-year student majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email bwk5372@psu.edu