The Baltimore Ravens surged to the top of the AFC North standings with a dominant 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans on Wednesday night, coupled with a loss by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the day.
Lamar Jackson was the standout performer of the game.
The quarterback, who is also in the running for league MVP, broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Texans. He then followed up with a touchdown pass to Mark Andrews with just 5:50 remaining in the quarter.
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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) tries to break a tackle by Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris, left, during the second half Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Jackson also connected for a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely with 1:51 left in the first half.
Jackson amassed 168 passing yards and 87 rushing yards in the win, involving eight different receivers. No receiver had more than two catches.
Andrews stood out with two catches for 68 yards.
Derrick Henry contributed with an early touchdown run from the goal line in the first quarter and finished with 147 rushing yards on 27 carries.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes as he is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) during the second half Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Texans’ only score came from a safety in the second quarter with a tackle on Henry.
C.J. Stroud threw for 185 passing yards and an interception on 17 of 31 completions. He faced five sacks.
Houston was missing wide receiver Tank Dell due to a serious knee injury sustained in the previous week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The team was already dealing with an injury setback from losing Stefon Diggs earlier in the season.
Nico Collins led the team with three catches for 59 yards. John Metchie III added five catches for 48 yards, but the offense struggled to deliver.
Houston managed only 10 first downs on 11 drives, while Baltimore outgained them 432-211.
The Ravens improved to 11-5 to claim the top spot in the AFC North, while the Steelers dropped to 10-6 after losing to the Chiefs.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs during the first half against the Houston Texans, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Houston’s record dropped to 9-7 for the season.
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