News Summary
The Baltimore Ravens are set to face the Houston Texans on October 5 without star quarterback Lamar Jackson due to a hamstring injury. Both teams are struggling this season, each with a 1-3 record. In Jackson’s absence, backup Cooper Rush will lead the Ravens against a Texans squad looking to improve after recent performances. Baltimore’s offensive strengths will be tested against Houston’s formidable defense as they aim to end their losing streak and capitalize on historical success in this matchup.
Baltimore – The Baltimore Ravens will face the Houston Texans on Sunday, October 5, at 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, but they will do so without their star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is out for Week 5 due to a hamstring injury. The Ravens head into this matchup with a disappointing record of 1-3, following a significant 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week. In Jackson’s absence, backup quarterback Cooper Rush will take the reins for the Ravens.
The Texans also hold a record of 1-3 after winning their opening game against the Tennessee Titans, where they secured a 26-0 victory. They, too, have struggled to find momentum in the early stages of the season. Both teams are in a challenging position, each looking to turn things around and gain some traction in the league.
This week, the Ravens may adopt a run-heavy strategy, utilizing running back Derrick Henry more frequently to take the pressure off of Cooper Rush. Baltimore’s offensive performance has been relatively solid, ranking in the NFL’s top 13 with an average of 32.8 points and 338 yards per game, alongside a conversion rate of 40.91% on third downs. However, their defensive unit has faced significant struggles this season, allowing an alarming average of 33.3 points and 406.8 yards per game, among the worst in the league. Despite these issues, the Ravens have a history of performing well against the Texans, having won the last six meetings between the teams.
In terms of injuries, the Ravens have been hit hard. Key defensive players such as Chidobe Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey, and Roquan Smith are currently sidelined, and safety Kyle Hamilton’s status remains uncertain. This has contributed to Baltimore’s defensive woes as they prepare to face a Texans offense that ranks 29th in points scored and 25th in total yards gained per game.
Houston’s quarterback, C.J. Stroud, is seeking to improve after a shaky start to the season. Their run game showed signs of life last week, thanks to rookie Woody Marks, who racked up over 100 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Houston’s defense stands out as one of the best in the league, allowing only 12.8 points and 280.5 yards per game, led by a dominant front seven that includes Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
As they prepare for this matchup, the Ravens are underdogs at home with +110 odds to win outright, while the Texans are favored with -130 odds. The point spread is set at -1.5 in favor of Houston, with an over/under of 40.5 total points for the game. Both teams are 1-3 against the spread (ATS) this season.
In summary, the Ravens will aim to capitalize on their historical success against the Texans while mitigating the impacts of Jackson’s absence and their ongoing defensive struggles. The Texans, on the other hand, will look to solidify their defensive prowess and spark offensive improvement as both teams seek to end their losing streaks and set the course for a more successful season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ravens Struggle with Injuries and Poor Defense
Lamar Jackson Suffers Hamstring Injury in Ravens’ Loss
Ravens Suffer Major Setback Against Chiefs in Week 4
Baltimore Ravens Struggle with Injury-Heavy Roster in NFL Season
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Texans vs Ravens Week 5 Preview
- Fox Sports: How to Watch Ravens vs Texans
- USA Today: Texans vs Ravens Predictions
- Houston Texans: Week 5 Injury Report
- Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Huntley Elevated for Week 5
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google Search: NFL
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
