Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens
Early on in this one, it felt like a close game. Houston made their way into Baltimore territory on four of their five first-half drives, but they couldn’t manage any points. Baltimore was more successful, and they took a 14-0 lead into halftime. The second half was all Baltimore as their lead swelled to 34-0. Houston managed a late touchdown, but this one was all Baltimore’s.
Houston Texans
Quarterback
- Deshaun Watson: 18/29, 169 yards, 1 INT, 6 sacks | 3 carries, 12 yards, 1 fumble
The name of the game today was pressure. Baltimore wanted to make Deshaun Watson uncomfortable, and they succeeded. Watson looked good early, completing his first four passes. One of his best throws of the game was his fifth throw. He placed a ball perfectly for DeAndre Hopkins in the endzone, but blatant pass interference stopped the connection. It was reviewed but not overturned. I think Baltimore was the better team either way, but losing this early touchdown didn’t help. Watson struggled for the remainder of the game while he constantly ran for his life. It always hurts to have a down-week from one of your studs, but stay strong with Watson as we know how great he is.
Running Backs
- Carlos Hyde: 9 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD | 1 target
- Duke Johnson Jr.: 6 carries, 40 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 4 yards
Raise your hand if you want to rely on either of these backs. That’s what I thought. Carlos Hyde has been pretty useful lately, putting up strong numbers in three of his last five weeks. He is the favorite in the backfield, though he still splits carries with Duke Johnson. I don’t love Hyde’s talent, and I would try to flip him if you still can. After two straight good weeks, you might just find a buyer.
Duke Johnson spelled Hyde and he looked good on his carries. He has scored a touchdown in three of his last four games, but I still don’t trust him. After all, those are his only touchdowns of the season. Johnson is a premium handcuff if Hyde goes down, but I don’t feel safe relying on him in any given week.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- DeAndre Hopkins: 12 targets, 7 receptions, 80 yards
- Kenny Stills: 7 targets, 4 receptions, 27 yards
- Keke Coutee: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 25 yards
- Will Fuller: DNP
Coulda, shoulda, woulda. Deandre Hopkins started fast today, pulling in four catches for 41 yards on the team’s first two drives. He just missed making his day though. As I mentioned earlier, Hopkins ran a great route to the corner of the endzone and had his defender beaten. By all rights, he should have had a long touchdown and a 100-yard day before halftime. Life isn’t always fair though. Instead, the Baltimore pass rush kept Watson scrambling and Hopkins only caught two passes in the second half. In case I have to say it, keep rolling with Hopkins.
Baltimore Ravens
Quarterback
- Lamar Jackson: 17/27, 222 yards, 4 TD, 1 sack | 9 carries, 86 yards
The most important thing for a scrambling quarterback to learn is that their legs will open up passes. Gash a defense for enough first downs on the ground, and they can’t help but watch you more closely. Lamar Jackson has learned this lesson well. I still question his pure passing ability, but he looked good today. Jackson missed a couple shots early in the game, but he found his mark and finished with a great line. He continues his march towards a possible MVP award if this continues.
Running Backs
- Mark Ingram: 13 carries, 48 yards | 4 targets, 3 receptions, 37 yards, 2 TD
- Gus Edwards: 8 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD
Mark Ingram continues to see the first crack at the Ravens’ backfield, and he continues to come through as a fantasy asset. Today, however, Ingram did his most impressive work as a pass-catcher. He caught a short pass from Lamar Jackson and ran it 20+ yards down the sideline for a score. Later in the game, he caught another and somehow avoided a defender coming in fast. Ingram then easily ran it in. He is a low-end RB1 in an excellent offense. Be wary of the split in carries though.
Gus Edwards is the thorn in the side of Mark Ingram owners, but he need not apologize. Edwards had two huge runs today of 25 and 63 yards. He is a fast runner, and he knows how to burst through a hole. On the 63-yard run, the Gus Bus blasted through a hole, made a couple of quick moves, and took off. It was a great run. Edwards is the #2 here, but he would have insane value if anything were to happen to Ingram. If you have Ingram and are playoff-bound, go get Edwards immediately!
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Mark Andrews: 4 targets, 4 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
- Patrick Ricard: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 27 yards
- Marquise Brown: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 23 yards
It’s tough owning a Ravens’ receiving weapon. It’s clear that they are a run-first team, and I’d argue that their three most important offensive weapons are Jackson, Ingram, and Edwards. Still, there is enough volume to bring some success from week to week. Mark Andrews has been the number one weapon in the passing game, averaging better than seven targets per game. He caught all of his targets today, and his best grab wasn’t actually his touchdown. The Ravens were on their own 34 when Lamar Jackson hit Mark Andrews roughly 15 yards down the field. Andrews started running, and then made a nice move to break a defender’s ankles. He picked up 51 yards on the play and the Ravens scored on the drive. Andrews looks to be a safe TE1 again.
Marquise Brown was mostly quiet today, though partly because he wasn’t needed. With Baltimore taking an early lead, and with their success on the ground, the Ravens didn’t have to take many big shots. Brown has been pretty quiet since early in the season, and I’m curious if it’s Baltimore saving him or if Brown isn’t completely healthy from his injury earlier in the season. Whatever it is, he was an afterthought and cannot be counted on considering his output form the last three weeks. He sits as a risky flex in my mind.
— Mike Miklius