Some wondered if the Baltimore Ravens would be rusty in their bye week, but those doubts were put to rest on Saturday.
The top-seeded Ravens defeated the Houston Texans 34-10 on Saturday in the AFC Divisional Round.
Both teams kicked field goals early, and the Ravens' Nelson Agholoa scored the first touchdown early in the second quarter.
Houston then pushed the big three out, and the Texans quickly made their next big statement. Steven Sims returned a punt 67 yards to tie the game at 10 points. Despite the swing in momentum, Baltimore was in control for the rest of the game.
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Lamar Jackson (age 8) of the Baltimore Ravens hits Sheldon Rankins (age 98) of the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on January 20, 2024. He scored an 8-yard touchdown against (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Ravens had good field position on the opening kickoff of the second half, and Lamar Jackson scored a 15-yard rushing touchdown on the sixth play of the first half.
Baltimore then forced a punt and the Ravens drove down the field again and Jackson found Isiah Riley for a 15-yard score, making the game 24-10. The Ravens' defense remained solid, forcing a three-and-out, which Baltimore repeated.
The Ravens went on an 11-play, 78-yard drive that also ended with a run by Jackson from 8 yards out. Houston's turnover on downs almost iced everything out.
After scoring a 15-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an AFC divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on January 20, 2024. Baltimore Ravens player Isaiah Likely (80 years old) celebrates with Lamar Jackson (8 years old). (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Jackson reminded everyone why he could very well be MVP, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. He also completed 16 of 22 passes for 152 yards and two scores.
The Texans had a strong season with Rookie of the Year candidate CJ Stroud, but it was an unusually tough day for the offense. They converted just four first downs in the second half, three of which came on the Texans' first possession. Stroud was 19-for-33 for 175 yards, and the Texans had just 213 yards of total offense compared to Baltimore's 352 yards.
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The Ravens rushed for 229 yards, with Justice Hill gaining 66 and Gus Edwards adding another 40. Five of Houston's eight possessions, not including the knee down at the end of the first half and the final drive in garbage time, ended in punts. One ended with a missed field goal, and the other ended with a turnover on downs.
The Ravens advanced to their first AFC Championship since the 2012 season, when they ultimately won the Super Bowl. Saturday's win was also Jackson's second in the playoffs.
Nelson Nelson scores a 15-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the third quarter of an AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on January 20, 2024. Lamar Jackson, 8, of the Baltimore Ravens, celebrates with Agholoa, 15. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Baltimore will host the winner of Sunday's Bills-Chiefs game at 6:30 p.m. ET in Buffalo.
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