Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston (turf, roof expected to be closed)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Texans by 6.5
Records: Ravens (5-1, 2-0 AFC North); Texans (5-1, 2-0 AFC South)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Jan. 15, 2012 (AFC Wild Card round): Ravens 20, Texans 13; Oct. 16, 2011: Ravens 29, Texans 14. Series record: The Ravens have never lost to Houston and hold a 6-0 all time advantage.
What matters: The Ravens' run defense has been atrocious the last two weeks, giving up more than 200 yards on the ground to both Kansas City and Dallas. Now Baltimore has to deal with Arian Foster and the Texans, which could have a strong day running the ball against a struggling front seven. Baltimore has defended Houston's zone running scheme well in the past and is fairly familiar with it. Against Dallas, the unit lost a lot of one-on-one battles, which allowed Cowboys running backs to get to the edge. Due to familiarity, it wouldn't be surprising for Baltimore to look better against the zone scheme since each defender won't be locked into a blocker off the snap.
Who matters: CBs Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith will both need to step up and do their best to contain Texans WR Andre Johnson in the passing game. With CB Lardarius Williams out for the season with an ACL tear, Baltimore no longer has a top-flight shutdown corner. Both corners have struggled defending back shoulder fades this year, so don't be surprised if you see this typically run-first Houston team open the game throwing the ball quite a bit.
Key matchups: Ravens LT Michael Oher vs. Texans DE J.J. Watt . Oher had his best game of the season last week against the Cowboys, containing OLB DeMarcus Ware throughout the contest. Watt's been on an early tear this season, leading the NFL with 9.5 sacks through six games. Oher has been up and down thus far, but was able to gain a little momentum after last week's game. ... Ravens OLBs vs. Texans RB Arian Foster. Foster does as great of a job as any back in the NFL at waiting for blocks to develop before cutting upfield. OLBs Paul Kruger, Courtney Upshaw and Albert McClellan will need to set an edge and force Foster into the teeth of the defense.
Injuries of note: DT Haloti Ngata has a sprained knee that has kept him limited in practice this week. CB Jimmy Smith (abs) and NT Ma'ake Kemoeatu (knee) have also been limited in practice.
Inside stuff: With Webb no longer participating with the defense, there could be more of a rotation among the CBs when Baltimore is in the nickel package. Look for Corey Graham, and possibly Asa Jackson to work against slot receivers. DC Dean Pees could heavily rotate through personnel groups in the secondary.
Connections: WR Jacoby Jones, who signed with Baltimore this preseason, spent his first five seasons in Houston after the Texans selected him in the third round of the 2007 draft. S Bernard Pollard (2009-2010) and FB Vonta Leach (2007-2010) were also former members of the Texans. Ravens OC Cam Cameron and Texans DC Wade Phillips coached together in the same capacity with the Chargers from 2004-2006.
Stat you should know: In Baltimore's past 11 road games, it has alternated wins and losses. The Ravens last went on the road two weeks ago against Kansas City, winning 9-6. Could history continue this week?
Looking ahead: The Ravens have a bye following the Texans game. It's technically still up in the air if Terrell Suggs plays this week or not. If he doesn't go against Houston, he'll have another week to rest before the drama of when he returns picks up again.
Prediction: Texans 34, Ravens 30
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.
