The Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans are already playoff-bound, but their exact postseason paths remain uncertain. Baltimore is locked in a tight race with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North crown, while Houston is guaranteed at least one home game but could still improve its seeding.
The outcome of their Christmas Day showdown could bring much-needed clarity. A win keeps the Ravens’ division hopes alive, while a Texans victory opens the door to potentially securing the No. 3 seed in the AFC. Both teams are playing for high stakes, but injuries and a short turnaround from their previous games loom large.
The Ravens’ postseason path hinges on the final stretch of the season. A win over Houston keeps them in the race for the division title, while a loss could drop them into the Wild Card mix. Conversely, the Texans could vault into a more favorable seeding position with a victory, setting up an easier path through the AFC playoffs.
This game could be a playoff preview, with both teams needing a strong performance to set the stage for January. One major name left off the Ravens' Week 17 inactives list is second-year star receiver, Zay Flowers—he'll be active against the Texans.
Full Ravens inactives list for Week 17
- WR Nelson Agholor
- RB Justice Hill
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
- S Marcus Williams
- OLB Adisa Isaac
- C Nick Samac
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) and running back Justice Hill (concussion) remain out, unable to clear protocol after their recent injuries. Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis is also inactive as he continues to deal with a hamstring issue.
Safety Marcus Williams is a healthy scratch. Rookie linebacker Adisa Isaac and center Nick Samac round out the inactives list as depth pieces sitting out for this critical matchup.
The offense loses a change-of-pace option in Hill, but with Zay Flowers expected to play, the Ravens will have their top playmaker ready to go. He'd been working through a shoulder injury over the past couple of days.
Full Texans inactives list for Week 17
- C Juice Scruggs
- OG Shaq Mason
- WR Diontae Johnson
- DT Foley Fatukasi
- DE Jerry Hughes
- LB Devin White
Protection remains a glaring issue for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, and it won’t get any easier against Baltimore. Starting center Juice Scruggs and guard Shaq Mason have been ruled out, leaving Houston’s offensive line shorthanded against a Ravens defense that ranks second in the league with 47 sacks.
The Texans will also be without veteran defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi, who injured his ankle in Week 15 and hasn’t practiced since. Other inactives for Houston include defensive end Jerry Hughes, and linebacker Devin White.
The most glaring inactive player is obviously recently released wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who was claimed by the Texans earlier in the week. Unfortunately, the Ravens won't get the opportunity to expose him as a fraud in their Christmas Day matchup.