Baltimore Ravens schedule preview: Watt did you say?!

The Ravens host their first Monday night game in 5 years as the Houston Texans come to Baltimore for a Week 12 slugfest.

Texans’ key additions: QB Brock Osweiler (by subtraction, lol), TE Ryan Griffin

Texans’ key losses: QB Brock Osweiler (refer to key additions), CB A.J. Bouye, S Quintin Demps, LB John Simon, G Oday Aboushi, FB Soma Vainuku, LB Carlos Thompson, C Tony Bergstrom,

Texans’ draft picks: QB Deshaun Watson, LB Zach Cunningham, HB D’Onta Forman, C Kyle Fuller, S Treston Decoud, DT Carlos Watkins, T Julie’n Davenport

Why they'll lose to the Ravens

Even Lamar Miller and DeAndre Hopkins couldn't consistently elevate Brock Osweiler as he played himself onto the bench. Luckily for the Texans, they were able to rid themselves of him, but there are still question marks at QB as Houston turns the keys over to rookie Deshaun Watson. Watson was phenomenal in college, leading Clemson to the College Football Playoff Championship game in 2016 and 2017, but the NFL is a different animal. Watson has a winning pedigree, but the NFL typically has a steep learning curve and Watson had a knack for turning the ball over, totaling 30 interceptions the last two years. We’ve repeatedly mentioned the Ravens defense has made a few upgrades that could confuse and derail the young signal caller if they can get pressure and disguise their looks. Another positive for the Ravens is that Houston lost its best cornerback, A.J. Bouye to the Jaguars, weakening its secondary. If Baltimore confuses Watson and attacks the Texans’ secondary, Ravens’ fans should be treated to a Monday night win!

Why they'll beat the Ravens

Back-to-back games against the Packers and Texans will be brutal. If there’s any game I would circle as one the Ravens are likely to lose, it’s this one. The Texans’s secondary was weakened, but the Ravens’ receivers excel in the deep passing game, something that might not develop with Houston’s pass rush. A combo of J.J. Watt, Jadaveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus will likely overwhelm the Ravens’ weakest unit, the offensive line. I can see Flacco taking an absolute beating in this game, and as a result forcing passes and turning the ball over. In addition to the Texans fearsome pass rush, the talent on the offensive side of the ball is some of the best the Ravens will face in a loaded year. Lamar Miller is a weapon on the ground and through the air; DeAndre Hopkins and deep threat Will Fuller will also be a headache for the Ravens defense. Deshaun Watson may take time to acclimate himself to the NFL, but he may be afforded it if the Texans’ talent can pick up the QB slack as it has over the last five years.