Monday Night – Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

It’s battle of defenses on Monday Night Football in Week 12. Perhaps this game signifies the passing of the torch as the league’s best defensive team from the Ravens to the Texans. For so long, Baltimore dominated that side of the football and wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. However, the times have changed and Houston has usurped that role. And you know what, that’s exactly how it should happen. League’s best defense is a title that is taken by force.

Keys to the Game

Texans

The key for Houston is going to be putting points on the board. We know their defense can handle Joe Flacco and company, but even if they pitch a shutout, Houston can’t when unless they score points of their own. You can’t put that job on the defense, too. It’s going to be important to run the ball effectively against that Baltimore D-line in order to open the passing game for DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. If they can’t get the ball to those two effectively, it’s going to be a long night in Baltimore.

Ravens

The Ravens really need to focus on one guy and one guy only: Hopkins. If they’re able to truly eliminate him from Houston’s offense, they might not score a single point.. That’s how meager they’ve been recently. Will Fuller can’t be counted on as a go-to target and the running game leaves a lot to be desired. Do that and Joe Flacco can take his time and pick his spots as the Ravens find ways to put a few points on the board. It will be a relief that they’ll only need a score or two to win this one.