Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

The Houston Texans seek to rebound from one of their worst seasons in franchise history by taking on the charged-up Baltimore Ravens.
The Texans have a new head coach in DeMeco Ryans and a new quarterback in No. 2 overall pick quarterback C.J. Stroud. Safety Jalen Pitre is back after nabbing five interceptions last year in a stellar rookie campaign.
The Ravens, on the other hand, will be led in their season opener at home by former MVP Lamar Jackson. He should be playing with a boost of confidence after receiving a record payday this offseason. The team added superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers to give Jackson more tools at his disposal.
More: 'Let's get these guys the ball': Ravens' new-look offense should put weapons in prime position
Ravens vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/under
The Ravens are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to BetMGM NFL odds. The game is among the best bets for NFL Week 1 games at top NFL betting apps.
- Spread: Ravens (-9.5)
- Moneyline: Ravens (-500); Texans (+375)
- Over/under: 43.5
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NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks
Chiefs vs. Lions | Falcons vs. Panthers | Ravens vs. Texans | Browns vs. Bengals | Colts vs. Jaguars | Vikings vs. Buccaneers | Saints vs. Titans | Steelers vs. 49ers | Commanders vs. Cardinals | Bears vs. Packers | Broncos vs. Raiders | Chargers vs. Dolphins | Patriots vs. Eagles | Seahawks vs. Rams | Giants vs. Cowboys | Jets vs. Bills
Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 31, Texans 17
Baltimore altered its offensive philosophy and should be far more explosive in the passing game, especially with Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers. The Texans are embarking on a rebuild. I think the Ravens clear double digits easily.
Tyler Dragon: Ravens 28, Texans 16
It’s going to be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Todd Monken makes the Ravens offense more innovative and explosive. I expect Lamar Jackson to have an MVP-caliber year. In Week 1, expect the Ravens defense to cause fits for rookie QB C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense.
Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 24, Texans 10
C.J. Stroud is going to be a good NFL quarterback. He's just going to be outdueled in his debut by former MVP Lamar Jackson, who's feeling good after getting his payday. Baltimore should easily cover the 10-point spread.
Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 34, Texans 16
Lamar Jackson got paid, he’s got weapons, and it will be fun watching the offense light up the Houston defense.
You can view the full list of Paste BN's NFL expert predictions here.
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