The Baltimore Ravens took the lead in the AFC North with a blowout 31-2 victory against the Houston Texans on Wednesday night and a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the day.
Lamar Jackson was the star of the show.
The quarterback and league MVP candidate broke off a 48-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to put the game out of reach for the Texans. He followed it up with a touchdown pass to Mark Andrews with 5:50 left in the quarter.
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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) attempts to break up a tackle by Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris, left, during the second half on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Jackson also had a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely with 1:51 left in the first half.
Jackson finished with 168 passing yards and 87 rushing yards in the victory. He distributed the ball between eight different receivers. No receiver had more than two receptions.
Andrews had two catches for 68 yards.
Derrick Henry played a supporting role in the victory. He started the game with a goal-line touchdown run in the first quarter and finished with 147 rushing yards on 27 carries.
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Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) passes while being pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) during the second half on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Texans’ only score came from a safety in the second quarter on a tackle on Henry.
CJ Stroud was 17 of 31 for 185 passing yards and an interception. He was fired five times.
Houston played without receiver Tank Dell, who suffered a serious knee injury in last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The team already suffered an injury when they lost Stefon Diggs earlier in the season.
Nico Collins had three receptions for 59 yards to lead the team. John Metchie III had five receptions for 48 yards. But the offense just wasn’t there.
Houston converted just 10 first downs in 11 drives, and Baltimore outscored Houston 432-211.
The Ravens moved to 11-5 and into first place in the AFC North. The Steelers lost to the Chiefs and fell to 10-6.
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)
Houston fell to 9-7 on the season.
