Game: Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Date/Time: Sunday, October 5, 1:01 PM EST
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
The Line: Texans -1.5, Total: 40.5
The Setup
A pivotal AFC matchup is set for Sunday, but the biggest storyline isn’t the star players on the field, but rather who won’t be. The Houston Texans travel to Baltimore to take on a Ravens team in a game heavily defined by injuries on both sides. The betting line tells the story: the Texans are somehow slight 1.5-point favorites on the road, a rarity for any visitor to M&T Bank Stadium. This, combined with a very low-point total of 40.5, signals that oddsmakers expect a gritty, low-scoring affair between two teams just trying to survive.
Houston’s Defensive Woes
The Texans may be the favorites, but they will be doing so without a huge chunk of their defensive front. A recent injury report confirmed that Houston will be significantly shorthanded, with defensive end Denico Autry, defensive tackle Dolorunso Fatukasi, and safety Jaylen Reed all ruled OUT for the game.
Losing two starting-caliber defensive linemen in Autry and Fatukasi is a massive blow to Houston’s ability to stop the run and generate pressure. This puts immense strain on the rest of the defensive unit to contain a Ravens offense that, even when banged up, prides itself on physical, trench-based warfare.
Ravens Battle Attrition
While the Texans’ injuries are specific and public, the situation in Baltimore is just as concerning. The Ravens are preparing for this game “without key players,” confirming that they, too, are navigating a wave of significant absences. While the team’s official injury report will provide the final details, the narrative of a team that has had a “rough couple of weeks” with health is a dominant theme.
Being a home underdog will surely provide motivation, but the question remains if the Ravens have enough offensive firepower to exploit the holes in the Texans’ depleted defense.
Prediction
This game is the definition of a “next man up” scenario. The betting line is a direct reflection of the uncertainty surrounding both teams’ health. The Texans are missing pillars of their defense, which would normally open the door for a Ravens home victory. However, the fact that Baltimore is still the underdog suggests their own injury situation is just as dire, likely on the offensive side of the ball.
The low total of 40.5 points is the most telling number. This game is expected to be a slugfest, decided by which team’s backups can make fewer mistakes. The Texans’ defensive injuries are a major concern against a team that wants to run the ball. In a hostile environment, it’s tough to bet on a road favorite missing ключевые defensive pieces. The Ravens’ culture of toughness and the pride of being a home underdog should be just enough to overcome their own injury issues.
This won’t be a pretty game. Expect a defensive struggle where points are at a premium.
The Pick: Ravens +1.5
The Total: Under 40.5
Final Score Prediction: Ravens 20, Texans 17
Sources:
Texans Injury Report | Houston Texans – HoustonTexans.com
Buccaneers-Texans Injury Report Sept.13: Godwin Jr., Wirfs Ruled Out
[Matt Schneidman on X] Final Packers-Texans injury report: : r …
Houston Texans Injury Status – ESPN
Chiefs vs. Texans: Injury Report
Texans injury report vs Ravens: DE Denico Autry: OUT DT …
Houston Texans Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBSSports.com
Texans injury report.
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Packers vs. Texans Injury Report – Week 7, 2024 | FOX Sports