2 min read • December 23, 2024
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The NFL's 2024 Week 17 Christmas Day matchup features the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. This game holds significant playoff implications for both teams as the regular season nears its conclusion.
The Baltimore Ravens enter this matchup with a 10-5 record, placing them second in the AFC North, closely trailing the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also hold a 10-5 record but lead the division due to tiebreakers. The Ravens have clinched a playoff berth and are vying for the division title.
The Houston Texans stand at 9-6, leading the AFC South and having clinched the division title. Despite a recent 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Texans are focused on securing a higher playoff seed with a strong finish to the regular season.
Justice Hill (RB): Hill sustained a concussion during the Week 16 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His availability for the Christmas Day game is doubtful, especially given the short turnaround between games.
Rashod Bateman (WR): Bateman was limited in practice earlier in the week due to a foot injury. His status for the upcoming game is questionable.
Odafe Oweh (OLB): Oweh was also limited in practice because of an ankle injury. His participation in the upcoming game is uncertain.
Nelson Agholor (WR): Agholor missed practice sessions due to a concussion. His status for the game against the Texans is questionable.
Tank Dell (WR): Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap and torn ACL during the Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He underwent surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. Prior to his injury, Dell had recorded 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games.
Jimmie Ward (S): Ward is out for the season due to a mid-foot sprain that requires surgery. In 10 games this season, he tallied 48 tackles and two interceptions.
Will Anderson (DE): Anderson has returned to practice in a limited capacity after missing time due to injury. His participation in the upcoming game remains uncertain.
Christian Harris (LB): Harris was added to the injury report with an ankle issue and is listed as questionable for the upcoming game.
The Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, boast a dynamic offense complemented by a robust defense. With playoff positioning at stake, Baltimore aims to capitalize on the Texans' recent injuries and secure a crucial victory.
The Texans, under quarterback C.J. Stroud, have demonstrated resilience throughout the season. However, the loss of key players like Tank Dell and Jimmie Ward presents challenges on both sides of the ball. Head coach DeMeco Ryans will need to adjust strategies to compensate for these absences and maintain competitiveness against a formidable Ravens team.
As of December 22, oddsmakers have favored the Ravens by 5.5 points over the Texans for this matchup.
Zay Flowers Over 59.5 Receiving Yards
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