The 5-1 Texans will host the 5-1 Baltimore Ravens in a showdown for top dog in the AFC and it should be *the* AFC game of the week. The Texans suffered their first loss of the year last Sunday night getting schooled by the Green Bay Packers 42-24. The Texan defense seems to be still dealing with the loss of LB Brian Cushing and a hampering injury to CB Jonathan Joseph. Last chance for the Texans to "prove" themselves before they go on their much needed Week 8 bye.
The Ravens have been in many close games this year but usually figure out a way to get the W. They will be without LB Ray Lewis, CB Ladarius Webb and most likely Terrell Suggs (doubtful). DT Haloti Ngata has a minor MCL tweak and was last listed as "questionable". Big arm QB Joe Flacco is not afraid to go deep several times per game. He likes to target WR's Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, TE Dennis Pitta and RB Ray Rice coming out of the backfield. In the running game, Rice is averaging 5.0 ypc (97/482). Backup RB Bernard Pierce averages 5.3 ypc (23/122).
TV = CBS (channel 11 local), noon Sunday CST
Announcers = Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
The line = Texans by 6.5 - 7.5
Texans vs. Ravens on CBS will be seen in 40-something states although the game will be up against a slew of early FOX games. In Houston, the Cowboys vs. Panthers game will be shown on FOX at the same time due to the home rules being lifted because of the NLCS.