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.

The Houston Texans head to Baltimore with minimal injury disruption overall, led by healthy Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. and only Folorunso Fatukasi ruled out on the Texans side. Baltimore, meanwhile, is missing several stars with Lamar Jackson sidelined and a wave of injuries at key spots, opening opportunities for Houston’s offense behind C.J. Stroud. The Ravens’ backups and depth will face a Texans squad focused on clean, physical ball control and impactful play from their young stars.

Houston’s defense has been historic through four weeks, allowing 51 points—the fewest in the Texans’ 24-year history over this span. A Week 4 26-0 win over the Titans underscored their dominance as the offense finally found a spark. If the unit sustains this elite level, Houston’s playoff chances won’t be dead yet.

Jackson's hamstring kept him out of practice for a second straight day ahead of Baltimore's home game vs. Houston. Ravens defenders Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, Patrick Ricard, Marlon Humphrey, and Chidobe Awuzie were listed as missing practice; Nnamdi Madubuike hit IR. Houston's Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. returned to practice, with Autry and Reed also progressing. Jackson's status and the Ravens' depth will shape Sunday's matchup.