Baltimore Beatdown's Ravens-Texans predictions

The Baltimore Beatdown writers predict Sunday's Ravens-Texans game, which the oddsmakers are placing Houston as 2.5-point favorites:

Jason Butt: With no Ray Rice, the Ravens' offense could see the same consistency issues that have plagued it in the first couple of weeks. Joe Flacco's actually performed at a high level, with a lot of his corresponding parts failing to live up to expectations. The Browns were a good defense to go against before this week, just in the sense to give Baltimore a look at the 3-4. However, Houston's defense is a better unit and will prove tougher to move the ball against. The Ravens' defense keeps it close but the offense is unable to do enough to get a win. Texans win 24-21.

Victor Hensley: This is a game that most Ravens fans should have circled on their calendar. The Baltimore Ravens will play the Houston Texans in Week 3, a team that blew them out last year (Week 7 — 43-13). The run game of the Texans features premier backs like Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Their receiving game includes guys like DeAndre Hopkins, Andre Johnson, and Owen Daniels. The Ravens have struggled on offense, and they'll continue those struggles on Sunday. The Texans' defense looks too strong for the Ravens to handle, and they drop below .500 for the second time this season. Houston gets the win, 31-20.

Zachary Beard: Marlon Brown will continue to step up and will have his first 10-reception game in the NFL and will score at least one touchdown. Look for Justin Tucker to bounce back after last week's dismal performance against the Browns and drill one or two from 40-plus yards away. The defense will continue to disturb the passer, especially with the absence of Duane Brown from the Texans offensive line. Also, I've been calling it all year, but I think this will be the week that Matt Elam gets his first career interception. Ravens win 23-20.