Texans vs. Ravens Odds
| Texans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 43.5 -110o / -110u | +375 |
| Ravens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 43.5 -110o / -110u | -500 |
I have a Texans vs. Ravens pick for NFL Week 1, which is one of the more intriguing games of the loaded Sunday slate.
The Ravens spent this offseason restructuring to utilize a spread scheme under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. They also managed to keep Lamar Jackson, which helps. On the other hand, the Texans spent the offseason establishing the roots for their rebuild, drafting C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Let's look into Texans vs. Ravens odds and make a betting pick and prediction.
Texans vs. Ravens
Matchup Analysis
In theory, the Ravens made all the right moves to implement a spread offense.
They brought in Odell Beckham Jr. as a veteran receiving threat and added Zay Flowers with their first-round pick in the draft. Baltimore also replaced Greg Roman, an OC who utilized his quarterbacks' mobility, with Todd Monken, who has implemented successful spread systems with limited athletes at quarterback. Along with incumbents Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, this receiving core is diverse and deep — the perfect setting for an explosive spread system.
In practice, Baltimore will face growing pains. Lamar Jackson’s career completion percentage is under 64%, and even that doesn’t capture his inconsistencies on a throw-to-throw basis. When he is hitting, Jackson might be the best player in the NFL. However, his misses can be painful and costly.
The question the Ravens will face each week: At what point does temptation take over and they revert to the run-first team we've become accustomed to?
Bet Houston vs. Baltimore at FanDuel
The Texans have set the foundations for a strong rebuild. They drafted their quarterback and defensive anchor, brought in a coach to build a culture and added several veteran leaders on both sides of the ball. They also established a strong run game thanks to last year's fourth-round pick, Dameon Pierce.
Houston has made it clear they are betting on itself after trading its 2024 first-round pick for Will Anderson Jr. While this can be seen as a blunder from an asset management standpoint, there is one clear benefit. The Texans have removed the coaching and front office clash from their organization by refusing to tank. Going forward, all chips need to be on supporting the young coach and nucleus as that is all they have for the next two years.
Texans vs. Ravens
Betting Picks & Predictions
The theory of the Ravens' moves is clear and simple. They need to keep Lamar on the field and have an offense that can compete with the juggernauts in the conference. Just because the direction of the team is correct though doesn’t mean everything will work out perfectly. This kind of transition and a new play-caller will take time to implement and find their rhythm. This could lead to a rough few months to start the season.
The Texans on the other hand have a need to succeed and a clear direction to do so. This team will lean on its defense and run game to make life easy for their young quarterback. It might not be the most exciting brand of football but it should keep them in every game.
With an uncertain new system from Baltimore and a gritty style from Houston, a double-digit spread is too much.
