- Baltimore’s defense eradicated any semblance of a run to Houston all day
- The Texans’ only touchdown of the game came on a 67-yard punt return
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The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Houston Texans 34-10 to start the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered another MVP-level performance, leading the way for Baltimore with four touchdowns.
Jackson’s final stats for the day were 16-22 for 152 yards and two passing touchdowns, along with 11 carries for 100 and two rushing touchdowns.
Baltimore’s defense set the tone throughout the game, eliminating any semblance of a run for Houston. The Texans only collected 35 yards on the ground for the entire game.
“They motivated us to put points on the board,” Jackson said. “They’re holding off an opponent, a very good team, led by a great quarterback. Our defense, sometimes they get us and sometimes we get them, gives us momentum, and it was them tonight.”
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs
MVP candidate Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to a win, recording four total touchdowns
The Ravens initially took a brief lead after scoring a field goal to put points on the scoreboard, but Houston tied the game with a field goal of its own.
Baltimore then recorded the game’s first touchdown when the Jackson connected with veteran wideout Nelson Agholor on a short three-yard pass.
However, Houston managed to tie the game at 10–10 before halftime, after return man Steven Sims took a punt 67 yards into the end zone for the first/only touchdown of the game for the Texans.
Jackson would later give the Ravens the advantage again after running the ball 15 yards for his second touchdown of the game.
Baltimore’s defense would pitch a shutout in the third quarter, allowing the Ravens to take a 17-10 lead into the fourth.
Baltimore’s defense eliminated any semblance of a run for Houston throughout the game
Nelson Agholor and Isaiah likely caught the Ravens two touchdown passes in the win
That lead quickly grew to 24-10 after Jackson connected with tight end Isaiah Likely for a 15-yard TD pass.
Later, Jackson put the game out of reach after scoring an eight-yard rushing touchdown to push the score to 31-10.
A 43-yard field goal by Justin Tucker just after the two-minute warning brought the Ravens total to 34.
Baltimore will face the winner of the Buffalo Bills vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
“It’s just, you know, the first playoff (game) we’ve gotten past, finally in the AFC Championship,” Jackson said. “So there’s still more work to do.”
