AFC Divisional - (3) Houston Texans at (2) Baltimore Ravens
-
gorocks99Guess I have two threads for the NFC, why not AFC too? Texans are coming off a very good defensive performance against Cincinnati but have to go on the road to face a balanced Ravens team. Many experts are picking the Ravens to be the representative out of the AFC in SB XLVI. I think the Ravens pull it off behind Ray Rice, something like 27-14, as TJ Yates accounts for a few turnovers. Who you got?
Line: Ravens -9
O/U: 38 -
georgemc80The Texans cannot win a shootout with the Ravens. The defense has to turn Joe Flacco into, well, Joe Flacco. If he comes out on fire and in rythym it will be a long day.
Offensively, same as always, establish the run, setup the playaction, use your advantage with the TEs and FB, then hit Johnson deep.
To win:
Johnson needs 8 catches for 100+
Foster needs 130
Tate needs 50
Yates needs to have 0 TOs
Jacoby Jones needs to average 10+ on punt returns
Defense needs 1 turnover
Defense needs 3 sacks
Hold Rice to<75
This is a very longshot, but that is why they play the game. The Texans have a good running game and a good defense. That gives them a punchers chance. -
royal_kI think the point spread is ridiculous. The Texans defense has been more impressive as has their running game. It comes down to QB play. And I'm not impressed with Flacco. If Houston doesn't turn the ball over, they should win. I think they're the better team.
-
bigdaddy2003Mods can just merge my thread into this one if they want.
I don't think there is much of a chance the Ravens don't force a turnover or two. It should be a good game. I'm pumped for it. -
bigdaddy2003The line for the game is 7.5.
-
gorocks99It has moved down to 7.5. Opened at 9.
-
bigdaddy2003
Yeah, I didn't mean it in response to your post. I apologize I forgot you posted the line at the top and I heard on ESPN that it was moved down to 7.5.gorocks99;1046952 wrote:It has moved down to 7.5. Opened at 9. -
gorocks99
Gotcha, no problem. That's some big movement on the line, probably warranted.bigdaddy2003;1046956 wrote:Yeah, I didn't mean it in response to your post. I apologize I forgot you posted the line at the top and I heard on ESPN that it was moved down to 7.5. -
bigdaddy2003
Yeah, it should be a good game.gorocks99;1046958 wrote:Gotcha, no problem. That's some big movement on the line, probably warranted. -
HereticShould be a very interesting game.
On paper, I'd say the Ravens should be the favorite, as I just don't see the Texans being multi-dimensional enough with Yates to overcome the top-tier teams in the league.
On the other hand, when Baltimore looks to be the superior team on paper, they have a bad habit of playing down to their opponent's level and losing. It's just too easy for me to imagine Flacco doing something that leads to the sort of touchdown the Texans got late in the first half off Dalton where you just shake you head and wonder what happened. -
like_thatI think the Houston defense along with Arian Foster feel slighted, and will play with a chip on their shoulder. I take them in the mild upset.
-
Little DannySort of OT, but what are the Texans gonna do about their QB situation next season. If Yates leads them over the Ravens you have to think Schaub's job is in jeopardy next season.
-
RotinajSchaub is a 1 of the top 3 or 4 qbs in the afc. His job is safe. I think texans win a close 1 24-21.
-
HeelzRavens whip that ass! on the way to the superbowl!!!!
-
Steel KING_ icRavens representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. Broncos are the only ones that can stop them :laugh:
-
bigdaddy2003
Another Ravens' fan joining the ranks of Ohio Chatter or do you just believe Baltimore will win the AFC?Steel KING_ ic;1047241 wrote:Ravens representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. Broncos are the only ones that can stop them :laugh: -
I Am AhabDifficult to envision TJ Yates leading the Texans past the Ravens D in Baltimore, but he does have A Foster and A Johnson. And also to help the Texans, Baltimore has Joe Flacco.
-
georgemc80I don't care if TJ Yates leads the Texans to a Super Bowl victory....the best he can do next year is compete for the back up. Matt Schaub is the one player the Texans couldn't lose.
-
bigdaddy2003
If Joe falls flat again this post season then I am with you.I Am Ahab;1047868 wrote:Difficult to envision TJ Yates leading the Texans past the Ravens D in Baltimore, but he does have A Foster and A Johnson. And also to help the Texans, Baltimore has Joe Flacco. -
royal_k
To me, he's one of the biggest enigmas in the NFL. He looks all world at times, and all bad at others.bigdaddy2003;1048373 wrote:If Joe falls flat again this post season then I am with you. -
hasbeenRay Rice takes over the game . I lie the ravens all the way to the super bowl.
-
bigdaddy2003
I concur. It's very frustrating. He has the skills but the "it factor" doesn't seem to be there. We will see how things go this post season.royal_k;1048431 wrote:To me, he's one of the biggest enigmas in the NFL. He looks all world at times, and all bad at others. -
I Am AhabWell put. Flacco just seems to be one of those guys who lacks "it". The opposite of a guy like Tebow,lol. Tebow lacks skill but has more "it" than anyone. Flacco tons of skill and zero "it". Tebow knocks Pittsburgh out in OT. Flacco can't get that monkey off his back, with a 3 TD lead at half.
Personally, I'll take "it" and little skill over the other. But hey, Flacco's our guy and so I'll give him a chance but if he plays like shit this postseason then it's time to dump him IMO. Anything less than AFC championship is unacceptable, especially with the Steelers out of the way. There's no one that Flacco should struggle with if he wants to be a starting QB on an elite team. -
bigdaddy2003
I agree.I Am Ahab;1049026 wrote:Well put. Flacco just seems to be one of those guys who lacks "it". The opposite of a guy like Tebow,lol. Tebow lacks skill but has more "it" than anyone. Flacco tons of skill and zero "it". Tebow knocks Pittsburgh out in OT. Flacco can't get that monkey off his back, with a 3 TD lead at half.
Personally, I'll take "it" and little skill over the other. But hey, Flacco's our guy and so I'll give him a chance but if he plays like shit this postseason then it's time to dump him IMO. Anything less than AFC championship is unacceptable, especially with the Steelers out of the way. There's no one that Flacco should struggle with if he wants to be a starting QB on an elite team. -
BR1986FB
Same here. Plus Flacco is a choke artist.like_that;1047135 wrote:I think the Houston defense along with Arian Foster feel slighted, and will play with a chip on their shoulder. I take them in the mild upset.