Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 1 game between the Ravens and Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium.
Brian Wacker, reporter
Ravens 27, Texans 13: Lamar Jackson has a history of being surgical in season openers (3-1 record, 69% completion rate, 1,047 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, one interception), and that should continue against one of the league’s weakest secondaries. Rookie quarterbacks are also just 2-16 against the Ravens under John Harbaugh at M&T Bank Stadium, which doesn’t bode well for No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud against a Mike Macdonald defense that, even without cornerback Marlon Humphrey, will undoubtedly cause chaos and confusion.
Mike Preston, columnist
Ravens 28, Texans 10: The Ravens didn’t play any of their starters in the preseason, but they still have too much talent and depth for Houston, which has a first-year coach in DeMeco Ryans. That’s not a newsflash, though, because Ryans is the fourth Texans coach in four years.
Childs Walker, reporter
Ravens 30, Texans 17: We’ll finally see how Todd Monken’s offense functions with Lamar Jackson at the helm and the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews catching passes. There will be hiccups, but not enough to keep the Ravens from handling an opponent led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and first-year coach DeMeco Ryans.
C.J. Doon, editor
Ravens 24, Texans 16: This looks like a mismatch on paper, but we won’t know much about either of these teams until they take the field. The Ravens are debuting an entirely new offense, and as good as Lamar Jackson and his new receivers are, there will probably be some growing pains. The Texans defense, led by former linebacker DeMeco Ryans and rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., should be much improved. Houston’s offense could surprise too if running back Dameon Pierce gets rolling and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud finds a rhythm. The Ravens should win, but there will be some tense moments.
Tim Schwartz, editor
Ravens 31, Texans 13: The Ravens are a Super Bowl contender. The Texans are contenders to have the league’s worst record. Baltimore has had no problems starting fast under Lamar Jackson and gets a gift by hosting a Houston team led by a first-year quarterback and first-year coach. I am interested to see how the Ravens’ pass rush fares against one of the league’s premier left tackles, Laremy Tunsil. A few sacks from the young duo of Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo could do wonders for their confidence and be the spark they need. Even if they get stood up and the offense struggles to find their rhythm, Baltimore should have little trouble Sunday.