Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans, Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Monday, December 13, 2010, 8:30 pm EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Line: Ravens -3
Current Line: Ravens -3
Opening Total: 45.5
Current Total: 46
Money Line: Ravens -150 / Texans +130
The Baltimore Ravens (8-4) will be looking to bounce back from a tough home loss to Pittsburgh last week and stay in the AFC playoff race when they visit the Houston Texans (5-7) on Monday Night Football. The Ravens (-3) simply do not want to risk another loss here after falling 13-10 to the Steelers with Kansas City and Jacksonville currently leading their respective divisions with an 8-5 record. All three teams could find themselves fighting for the two wild-card spots if they do not go on to win their divisions.
The Texans had an opportunity themselves to stay alive for a postseason spot but lost 34-24 at Philadelphia 11 days ago. While they have had plenty of extra rest to prepare for Baltimore, they do not have much of a chance to make the playoffs at this point and may have to settle playing the role of spoilers down the stretch yet again.
Houston played well offensively in the loss to the Eagles but was again plagued by extremely poor defense. Quarterback Matt Schaub completed 22 of 36 passes for 337 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while running back Arian Foster rushed 22 times for 83 yards with a touchdown. But the Texans could not contain Philly QB Michael Vick, as he threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 48 yards and another score.
Baltimore will welcome the chance to play against Houston’s defense after getting bottled up by Pittsburgh. The Ravens rushed for only 43 yards on 20 carries and were held to a field goal after scoring the first touchdown of the game on a 14-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco to wide receiver Anquan Boldin for an early 7-0 lead with 1:59 left in the first quarter. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu forced a late fumble that led to the game-winning score with 2:59 remaining.
The Texans are surrendering 388.8 yards per game, which ranks fourth-worst in the NFL. Their league-worst pass defense is the major issue, giving up 287.4 yards per game through the air. Flacco has thrown 14 touchdown passes with just two interceptions over the last eight games and will need to take advantage of this weakness because this game could very well turn into a shootout.
The total has gone OVER in Baltimore last two road games with the Ravens averaging 29 points. Houston has scored 20 points or more in five straight games but has a 1-4 record to show for it. The Texans have allowed 29 points or more in seven of their last eight games with the OVER going 5-3 during that stretch.
Now that you have read this Monday Night Football betting preview featuring the Texans & Ravens, check out the NFL odds on this game to make sure you get the best NFL lines by shopping at multiple sportsbooks.
