The Jan 15 – Houston Texans against Ravens game has the potential to be a dramatic and exciting game from start to finish, or a serious letdown. The reason why: both squads have appeared impressive sometimes this season and completely horrid at others.

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The Houston Texans have an excuse for their occasionally unsatisfying play, as the team has been beset by injuries all season. First, their all-pro wide receive Andre Johnson was lost with a hamstring injury. As though this blow to their offense wasn’t serious enough, after that , they lost their starting qb, Matt Schaub. Then they proceeded to lose their 2nd string qb, Matt Leingart, to injury. That placed rookie T.J. Yates into the starting duty. Despite the fact that Yates has played admirably to date, it’s yet to be determined how he can fare versus the vicious Ravens’ defense. The Houston Texans battle through these injuries to a 10-6 record, but stumbled into the playoffs when they lost their last three competitions of the season.

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Despite the fact that the Ravens have appeared extraordinary generally this season, they have come up short at inexplicable times. After beating Houston 29-14 earlier this season, they lost their next game to pathetic Jacksonville as they performed some of the worst offensive football shown by any team this season. Then, after beating Pittsburgh 23-20, they lost their next game to Seattle. So, while it would look Baltimore has the healthier, more total team, that’s assuming the Baltimore who won those big competitions this year shows up.

Odds makers are banking on that. Baltimore is a 7.5 favorite at home. Whereas the Houston Texans have a gritty defense themselves, the question remains as to if Houston’s rookie qb can perform well under the stress of a divisional playoff game in a aggressive atmosphere. As the Ravens are more seasoned and playing at home, they have the upper hand.