Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens: Can C.J. Stroud Lead Houston to Upset?

Ravens face Texans in the 2023 NFL Divisional game. Betting on the underdog, over/under, and weather conditions could impact your bets.

The 2023 NFL Divisional game between the Ravens and the Texans is generating a lot of excitement. With Lamar Jackson facing off against C.J. Stroud, the Ravens are naturally the favorites. But where should you put your money? Let's take a deep dive into the betting elements of this matchup.

First, let's consider betting on the underdog. In this case, I'm leaning towards the young guns, Stroud and the Texans. The Texans showed their potential in a recent game against the Cleveland Browns, with their defense making some impressive plays. While replicating that level of performance might be a stretch, I believe the Texans can contain the Ravens' rushing attack well enough to stay within the 9.5-point spread. Even if they find themselves trailing by a significant margin, as long as Stroud and the offense are on the field, I'm taking the Texans plus the points.

When it comes to the over/under in this game, I have some reservations. I'm concerned about how the Ravens will perform coming out of the bye week, especially considering Jackson's track record in playoff spots. While the Ravens have put up substantial points against certain teams, their style of play leaves the backdoor wide open for a 9.5-point spread. Stroud is unlikely to exit the game, even if the Texans are trailing by a significant margin late in the fourth quarter. He'll keep firing downfield, potentially covering the spread. While I believe the Ravens will ultimately win the game, there's a chance for an upset here, and it's most likely to come from a team getting around 10 points, like the Texans.

As for the total points in this game, I'm leaning towards the over at 43.5. However, weather conditions could play a significant role. Baltimore's winter weather, while not as extreme as last week's minus 37 degrees, is still quite chilly, hovering around zero degrees when factoring in the wind chill. Nonetheless, I expect both offenses to come out swinging, and the over might hit. However, it's crucial to monitor the conditions in Baltimore leading up to the game, as weather can have a significant impact on scoring.

In conclusion, this NFL Divisional matchup between the Texans and the Ravens promises plenty of excitement and betting opportunities. While the Ravens are favored, the Texans could be the dark horse in this game, especially with Stroud's ability to keep them in contention. Consider betting on the Texans to cover the 9.5-point spread, but keep an eye on the weather conditions before deciding on the over/under. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, so don't be surprised if it goes over the 43.5-point mark. Regardless of your bets, get ready for an action-packed showdown that could go down to the wire. Enjoy the game!