Houston aims to erase last year’s Christmas Day 31-2 loss at Baltimore, riding momentum from a recent win and Stroud’s rising chemistry with Nico Collins. With Lamar Jackson sidelined, the Ravens present a different challenge, but the Texans believe the prior debacle can fuel a focused, swagger-rebuilding performance on the road.

Voices from Collins, Al-Shaair, Scruggs, and Will Anderson stress staying sharp, fixing the past, and pressing a run-first Ravens attack while stringing together offense. Houston hasn’t won in Baltimore in eight tries, turning this clash into a pivotal test of Ryans’ rebuild and Stroud’s growth.

Houston’s overhaul centers on Stroud and Anderson, whose arrival under DeMeco Ryans has redefined the Texans’ trajectory. Stroud’s breakout moments in the 2022 playoff landscape foreshadowed a franchise quarterback who thrives under pressure, while Anderson’s relentless motor anchors a defense built to contend. The 2023 draft capital—kept when Houston stayed at No. 2 and then jumped to No. 3—paved the way for a roster around its two stars. The result: 22 wins across two seasons and playoff wins that signal a true turnaround, with Stroud and Anderson as the program’s cornerstones and a path toward a Super Bowl someday. The surrounding class—Dell, Scruggs, Horton, To’oTo’o—adds depth and complementary talent that could sustain this rise. Houston’s the favorite in the AFC South entering 2025, but health and a sturdy line will determine how soon the ceiling is reached.