Texans Rout Ravens 44-10 in Week 5, Keeping Playoff Hopes Alive

When CJ Stroud, quarterback of the Houston Texans stepped onto the field at NRG Stadium on October 5, 2025, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Both the Texans and the Baltimore Ravens entered the Week 5 NFL matchupHouston, Texas with identical 1‑3 records, and a win was essential to stay afloat in their respective divisions. What unfolded was a decisive 44‑10 triumph for Houston, a result that not only bolstered its playoff chatter but also left Baltimore’s postseason hopes in jeopardy.

Why This Game Mattered

The NFL’s historical data is stark: since 1990, only 12 teams – roughly 7 % – have started 1‑4 and still made the playoffs. That slim margin turned the game into a de‑facto survival test for both clubs. For the Texans, it was a chance to ride the momentum of a 26‑point outburst against the Tennessee Titans the week before – their first 20‑plus score of the season. For the Ravens, a win was needed to avoid slipping to a 1‑4 record, which would have deepened an early‑season hole that’s notoriously hard to climb out of.

Offensive Storylines

Stroud entered the contest after posting a 125 passer rating against Tennessee, completing 19 of 27 attempts for 235 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. His deep‑ball accuracy, highlighted by a 40‑yard touchdown toss to wide receiver Jarrett Collins, had the Texans' fans optimistic. The offensive line, bolstered by rookie guard Trey Miller, gave Stroud ample time in the pocket, a factor that would prove crucial against a Ravens defense that had just yielded 37 points to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Ravens, meanwhile, leaned on veteran running back J.K. Dobbins, but his 4.2 yards per carry the previous week was barely enough to keep the offense afloat. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was under pressure to swing the ball early, a scenario the Texans’ secondary was primed to punish.

Defensive Matchup: Smith vs. the Ravens’ Attack

One of Houston’s most talked‑about players heading into the game was defensive end Antonio Smith, defensive end of the Texans. Smith had logged three sacks in the first four games, showcasing his ability to collapse the pocket. On defense, the Texans had already posted a shutout against the Arizona Cardinals, a performance that highlighted disciplined tackling and aggressive pass rush – both essential against a Ravens offense that relied on quick throws and misdirection.

The Ravens’ defensive unit, meanwhile, was reeling from the previous week’s 37‑point concession. Defensive coordinator Don Rosa promised adjustments, but the Texans’ balanced attack proved too much. In the first quarter, Smith recorded two sacks, forcing Jackson into hurried throws and setting the tone for a dominant Houston defense.

Game Flow and Turning Points

Houston seized control early. After a 12‑play, 68‑yard drive capped by a 22‑yard rush from running back Derrick Brown, the Texans led 7‑0. The Ravens answered with a field goal, but the tide turned when Stroud connected with Collins for a 45‑yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14‑3.

By halftime, the scoreboard read 28‑10. Stroud finished the half with 180 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a perfect passer rating of 146. The Ravens struggled to find rhythm, completing just 12 of 30 passes and turning the ball over twice – both interceptions were snatched by Texans cornerback Jalen Parker.

The second half was a formality. Houston added two more rushing touchdowns, while the Ravens managed a late‑game field goal that barely dented the deficit. The final 44‑10 score line reflected not just offensive firepower but a defensive performance that held the Ravens to just 239 total yards.

Reactions From the Sidelines

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised his quarterback’s poise: “CJ stayed calm, made smart reads, and trusted his teammates. That’s the kind of confidence we need all season.” Defensive captain J.J. Watson highlighted the unit’s cohesion: “We stuck to the game plan, pressured the QB, and didn’t give up a single big play.”

Across the field, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the uphill battle: “We’re going to re‑evaluate our defensive schemes and get back to basics.” He also noted the emotional toll of the loss: “It’s tough to go 1‑4, but we have to keep fighting.”

Implications for the Playoff Race

With the win, the Texans improved to 2‑3, climbing to fourth place in the AFC South and keeping a modest playoff path alive. The victory also injected confidence into a young offense that now boasts a passer rating above 100 for the first time this season.

For Baltimore, the defeat dropped them to 1‑4, deepening a division gap that historically proves difficult to erase. If the Ravens fail to win two of their next three games, their odds of reaching the postseason fall below 15 %, echoing the 7 % statistic that spurred the pre‑game urgency.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

The Texans travel to Denver next week to face the Broncos, a matchup that will test their defense against a high‑altitude offense. Meanwhile, the Ravens host the New England Patriots, hoping a home‑field advantage and a tighter defensive scheme can spark a turnaround.

Both teams now know that every subsequent game carries playoff weight. For Houston, maintaining Stroud’s upward trajectory is key; for Baltimore, shoring up the secondary and re‑establishing a balanced run game will be essential to stay afloat.

Key Facts

• Final Score: Houston Texans 44, Baltimore Ravens 10
• Date: October 5, 2025
• Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
• Quarterback CJ Stroud: 235 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
• Defensive end Antonio Smith: 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
• Texans record improves to 2‑3; Ravens fall to 1‑4