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GAMEDAY WEEK 5: Ravens vs Texans — Full Preview: TV, Streaming, Kickoff Info

Quick Facts

Matchup: Houston Texans (2–2) at Baltimore Ravens (3–1)
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, Oct 5, 2025
TV: CBS (regional broadcast)

How to Watch/Listen

  • TV: CBS

  • Streaming: Paramount+

  • Local radio (BAL): 98 Rock / WBAL 1090 AM

  • Local radio (HOU): SportsRadio 610

  • Context & Form

    The Ravens (3–1) return to the Bank, looking to keep pace atop the AFC North after a grinding September. Lamar Jackson has been efficient, and the defense has been opportunistic despite injuries.

    The Texans (2–2) ride into Baltimore trying to rebound from a narrow loss. With C.J. Stroud under center, Houston continues to show flashes of offensive explosiveness under DeMeco Ryans, but depth will be tested against one of the AFC’s toughest road environments.


    Notable Personnel Updates

    Ravens:

    • RB Derrick Henry (suspension/DUI) out; Justice Hill & rookie Rasheen Ali expected to lead backfield.

  • CB Marlon Humphrey (hamstring) questionable but trending up.

  • LT Ronnie Stanley cleared after ankle scare.

  • Texans:

    • WR Tank Dell (concussion protocol) ruled out; John Metchie III steps into WR2 role.

  • Edge Will Anderson Jr. (shoulder) expected to play.

  • Safety Jalen Pitre returns, stabilizing Houston’s secondary.

  • Key Tactical Hotspots

    1. Lamar Jackson vs disguised looks
      The Texans will rotate safeties and send creative pressures. Lamar must stay decisive—especially with Mark Andrews as a security blanket—to keep the chains moving.

  • Ronnie Stanley vs Will Anderson Jr.
    Stanley’s ability to anchor the left side is critical. If Anderson wins early, Houston can tilt the game with pressure and force quick throws.

  • Ground control
    Without Henry, Baltimore still needs ≥130 rushing yards (Hill/Ali + Lamar) to keep balance. Houston’s Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary must establish early down efficiency to protect Stroud from Baltimore’s blitz packages.

  • Perimeter duel
    Nico Collins becomes Stroud’s WR1 target with Dell out. If Humphrey plays, Baltimore can risk more single-high coverage; if not, Stroud may attack mismatches outside.

  • Keys to Victory

    Ravens:

    • (i) Rush ≥140 yards to dictate tempo.

  • (ii) Limit Texans to ≤1 explosive play (20+ yards).

  • (iii) Convert red-zone trips >60%.

  • Texans:

    • (i) Protect Stroud (≤2 sacks allowed).

  • (ii) Get Collins/Metchie one chunk TD play.

  • (iii) Force 1+ Lamar turnover to steal momentum.

  • Line & Prediction

    • Current line: Ravens -3.5, total ~44.5.

  • Projection: Ravens 24, Texans 20.
    M&T Bank gives Baltimore an edge. A balanced Lamar game and one key Roquan Smith takeaway keep the Ravens in control late.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
    The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.