Four things to watch out for in the Christmas doubleheader

On By Littum

  • WHERE: NRG Stadium (Houston)
  • WHEN: 4:30 p.m. ET | Netflix, NFL+

1) Will the Ravens run over the Texans again? The last time these teams played, Baltimore exploded for 229 rushing yards in a 34-10 victory in last season’s divisional round. Lamar Jackson led the way that day with 100 yards, and while Jackson can still beat teams with his legs, this year he’s teamed up with Derrick Henry to form a notorious backfield duo tailor-made for December football. It was on full display Saturday against the Steelers as Henry bulldozed his way to 162 yards on 24 carries. That performance marked Henry’s fourth game of the season with more than 150 rushing yards and seventh with 100 or more as he continues to make his two-year, $16 million deal look like one of the best deals in the NFL. The Texans have been formidable against the run this year, entering Monday night ranked 11th in the league in yards allowed, but preparing to stop the Ravens’ running game has also been a discreet strategy for teams this season. Jackson has arguably been even better this season than last year’s MVP campaign. On Saturday, he set the franchise record for passing TDs in a season with 37.

2) Depleted Texans looking for a marquee win. Houston is guaranteed a home playoff game for the second straight season, but a win over the playoff-bound Ravens would do much to instill confidence in a squad that has been 3-4 since Halloween and just suffered a devastating damage to an important contributor. crime. The Texans are just 1-4 this season against teams with plus-500 records with the one win coming against the Bills in early October. That version of the Texans started the game with its full trio of receivers (Nico Collins, Stefan Diggs and Tank Dell), but only Collins is back after Dell suffered a gruesome knee injury on Saturday. That Dell’s injury came on a 30-yard TD catch highlights how important he is to the second-yard QB CJ Stroud. The Texans managed just three points after Dell’s injury. Expect Collins (seven receptions, 60 yards vs. KC) to see an even bigger target share Wednesday and for tight end Dalton Schultz (five catches, 45 yards, one TD) to get more opportunities out of necessity. Running back Joe Mixon has also proven to be a threat out of the backfield with 33 receptions for 291 yards and a touchdown.