Top 3 Baltimore Ravens to watch against Houston Texans in Week 1

2. Justin Maduike is in a matchup to win for the Baltimore Ravens

This has to be a matchup where Justin Madubuike dominates and potentially is the reason that the Baltimore Ravens win the game. This is a huge year for Madubuike. Madubuike is in the midst of contract discussions, but it looks like he will enter the season without a deal for the 2024 season.

So, he is playing with a lot on the line this season as he could cash in big during free agency. He went from one sack to two to 5.5 last year. If he jumps up in sacks again, the money is going to come. However, a low sack total could show teams this is just not his game and he lacks the high-end upside.

The good news for Madubuike is that he may not get an easier matchup this year. The Houston Texans interior line is depleted. Juice Scruggs, Kenyon Green, and David Quessenberry are all on the IR. That is the starting left guard, center, and backup for both spots.

They are slated to start both Jarrett Patterson and Kendrick Green. They traded for Green after he was almost cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Patterson is a sixth round rookie. Needless to say, this was not in the Texans' plans. This is going to be the chance of a lifetime for Madukbuike.

He has so much on the line and is being fed an easy matchup to start his season on the right now. Fans should be watching the interior of the line to see what kind of push Madubuike is getting and whether or not he can have that big season that leads to financial success.