Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs (Image Source – Getty Images) The Baltimore Ravens are all set to clash with the Houston Texans in a key Week 5 showdown on October 5, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium, with the game starting at 1 p.m. ET. Both teams head into this contest with the same 1-3 records, which is disappointing considering they both topped their divisions in 2024.The Ravens have had a tough start, worsened by a series of injuries, particularly the loss of their star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury from their Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
How the Houston Texans can exploit Baltimore Ravens’ weakness
Without Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens are missing their dynamic dual-threat quarterback, which forces them to adopt a more traditional pocket-passing strategy with Cooper Rush. Analysts indicate that this could allow the Houston Texans’ defense to exert effective pressure.Houston’s pass rush, led by players like Will Anderson Jr., might capitalize on Baltimore’s possibly weakened offensive line if tackle Ronnie Stanley (who is questionable due to an ankle injury) is not fully available.The Baltimore defense is feeling the impact of linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie being out, which opens up weaknesses in the secondary and run defense that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and his receivers can take advantage of.Analysts from Locked On Texans and other sources are pointing out that the Ravens’ rush defense has been shaky this season, giving Houston’s running game a “golden ticket” to keep up and control the game clock.Moreover, with a number of Pro Bowlers missing, including Smith and Humphrey, Houston’s up-and-coming players like Stroud could take advantage of mismatches in coverage.The Ravens hold a 5-0 record against the Texans when Jackson plays, but his absence, coupled with defensive injuries, changes the odds, with most experts leaning towards Houston for a road win.The Texans’ offensive coordinator has shown a need to exploit Baltimore’s injury-stricken unit, as mentioned in Acast podcast discussions, by focusing on quick passes and getting the run game going early.
Houston Texans remain relatively healthy despite Jaylen Reed Folorunso Fatukasi missing Week 5
The Houston Texans are managing some injuries, yet they look healthier overall, based on their Week 5 injury report from the team’s site and USA Today. Missing the game are safety Jaylen Reed (knee), defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (shoulder), and defensive end Denico Autry (knee).Other players such as running back Joe Mixon and safety Jimmie Ward have been mentioned in recent reports but are not marked as out for this game. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans pointed out Jackson’s role in a pre-game press conference, stressing how vital a player like Jackson is to any team, emphasizing the strategic adjustments without him. Ryans’ statements were made to reporters during talks about the Texans’ game strategy against Baltimore.If Lamar Jackson isn’t playing, the Houston Texans gain a noticeable advantage. Baltimore’s ability to adjust will be put to the test, and Houston has a solid opportunity to take control early on if they make the right moves.Also Read: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show sends MAGA into meltdown as NFL refuses to bow to conservative rage