Three things to watch for as Ravens take on Texans

3) Containing Deshaun Watson and Will Fuller V

Inexplicable as it sounded during the off-season, former Texans superstar wide out DeAndre Hopkins is currently residing in Arizona with the Cardinals after Texans Coach and GM Bill O’Brien shipped him for RB David Johnson, a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2021 fourth-round pick.

Ignoring the obvious here, that left the Texans with a wide receiver core led by Will Fuller V. For years, Fuller has flashed some explosive potential whenever he has been on the field but his career has been noteworthy because it has been injury-riddled. Folks have never doubted Fuller’s natural ability but there have always been questions about his ability to stay on the field. I have referred to him as Will “Doubt” Fuller on numerous occasions as Fuller has frustrated fantasy football fans for years.

But there is no doubt that Fuller is dangerous if he stays on the field. He tallied eight catches for 112 yards last week against the Chiefs. The Texans also have Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, and Kenny Stills in a receiver group that would have lit the NFL ablaze a few years back.

But the key to everything the Texans do on offense is their superstar QB Deshaun Watson. Watson will be looking to bounce back after what was a rough opener and it is hard to believe he could put two clunkers in a row together. Recently rewarded with a huge contract extension, Watson will be looking to make good on the investment in the Texans home opener.

The issue for Watson and Fuller will be the Texans porous offensive line play that has plagued them over the years. Watson was sacked four times last week and regardless of Watson’s ability and Fuller’s explosiveness, the two will not be able to give the Ravens issues if Watson spends the entire game on his backside.

The Ravens pass rush struggled in Week One and remains one of the team’s few weaker spots. If they can’t get going against one of the NFL’s weaker offensive lines, this minimal concern will begin to become more tenuous.

The Details:Match up: Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at Houston Texans (0-1)

Point Spread: Ravens -7

Over/Under: 51

Radio: 98 Rock/WBAL 1090 AM
TV: CBS
Commentary: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins

Prediction: I don’t think that the Texans are going to be able to stop the Ravens from scoring points in this one. They couldn’t stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense and the Ravens offense is every bit their equal.

Defensively, I expect the Ravens to shade DeShon Elliott over the top of whoever covers Will Fuller V and that will limit Watson’s ability to stretch the field. The Ravens will move to 2-0 ahead of their monumental Week Three clash with the Chiefs with a 33-17 win over the Texans.