Instant analysis of Ravens 34-10 win overTexans to advance to AFC title game

The Ravens avoided the repeat of 2019, advancing to the AFC title game after a dominant 34-10 win over the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium.

The win gave Baltimore two wins over DeMeco Ryan’s team, and the combined scores of 56-19 provide insight into how far Houston has to climb before they start thinking about championship Sunday.

Lamar Jackson was dominant from start to finish and will likely win his second NFL MVP after accounting for 252 yards, four total touchdowns, and a `121.8 quarterback rating.

Mike Macdonald’s defense held Houston to 213 yards of total offense on 47 offensive plays, limiting C.J. Stroud to 19-33 passing for 175 yards and no touchdowns.

After overcoming past failures, here’s the national reaction to the Ravens’ dominant victory.

Lamar the GREAT

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) tries to avoid the pass rush of Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris (48) during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Jackson (15-yd rush TD) 📽️

🔹 Rush Yards Over Expected: +10
🔹 TD Probability: 3.9%

Jackson led all quarterbacks in carries (63) and rushing yards (302) on designed runs during the regular season.#HOUvsBAL | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/EVdDrzyEQr

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 20, 2024

At one point in the second half, Jackson had 68 yards rushing and 89 yards passing, taking what the Texans defense gave.

EIGHT THE GREAT❗

Tune in on ESPN/ABC! pic.twitter.com/JjaVabFmBk

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 20, 2024

Jackson finished with 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries (9.1 YPC).

Roquan Smith/Patrick Queen

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) runs the ball against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) and linebacker Roquan Smith (0) during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The dynamic duo at linebacker combined for 12 tackles and two tackles for loss, while playing a major role in limiting Houston to 38 yards rushing on 14 carries.

Ravens rushing attack

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens were dominant on the ground, rushing for 229 yards, including 100 yards by All-Pro quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Justice Hill had 13 strong carries for 66 yards, while Gus Edwards had 10 carries for 40 yards.

Isaiah Likely breakout performance

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 20: Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a 15 yard touchdown pass against Derek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Likely continued his strong play and finished with two catches for 34 yards and another touchdown, his sixth since taking over for Mark Andrews.

Andrews will return next week, giving Baltimore another dynamic pass catcher on offense.

Dalvin Cook

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook (31) runs the ball against Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) during the fourth quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

With Baltimore up big late, Cook eight carries for 23 yards (2.9 YPC) and a long run of 19 yards in his first action since joining the Ravens.