Photo: Tommy Gilligan ~ IMAGN IMAGES
DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2025 ~ In the first two games of the 2025 NFL Playoff Wild Card Weekend, the Houston Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers while the Baltimore Ravens downed AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers to advance to the AFC Divisional Round. Both home teams, the four seeded-Texans and the three-seeded Ravens, played very stout defense in route to their double digit victories.
In a 32-12 win despite missing two star receivers in Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell to season ending injuries, the Texans intercepted Charger quarterback Justin Herbert four times, allowing only one touchdown in the process.
Houston didn’t go without its own turnover problems, as former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s defense forced three turnovers of their own.
Texans safety Eric Murray took his lone interception to the end zone for six points while cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. tallied two picks of his own.
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(CONTINUED) Ultimately, a passing touchdown from C.J. Stroud to former Wolverine receiver Nico Collins and a rushing touchdown from Joe Mixon was enough for Houston to pull away in the second half against fifth-seeded Los Angeles.
In the night cap game, NFL MVP candidates Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry recorded two touchdowns each to defeat sixth-seeded Pittsburgh 28-14. Despite missing receiver star Zay Flowers to injury, Jackson did not miss fellow receiver Rashod Bateman and running back Justice Hill for scores. Henry found the end zone on an eight-yard run before the end of the first half and broke open the match in the third with a 44-yard touchdown, boosting the Raven lead to three possessions.
Both Houston’s and Baltimore’s opponents will be determined during tomorrow’s Broncos–Bills game. If the home team Bills win, Houston will visit top-seeded Kansas City while Baltimore will head to Buffalo. If the Broncos are to pull off the upset, Houston will travel to Baltimore while Denver would see AFC West rival KC in Arrowhead Stadium.
Detroit Lions fans will have to wait until the second game of Sunday’s slate to start seeing who will potentially be traveling to Ford Field next weekend for the NFC Divisional Round.
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