The Baltimore Ravens faced a crushing defeat against the Houston Texans on October 5, 2025, losing 44-10 at M&T Stadium. This result leaves the Ravens’ season hanging by a thread, especially as they started the campaign with high hopes of reaching the Super Bowl. Missing eight key starters, including quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson, the team struggled to compete against a Texans squad that had been underperforming.
The Ravens were already dealing with significant injuries, with five defensive starters absent alongside Jackson. The Texans, who entered the game with a record of 2-3 and one of the league’s least effective offenses, managed to dominate throughout the contest. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for four touchdowns and completed 23 of 27 passes for 277 yards, leading Houston to score on each of their first eight possessions. In stark contrast, the Ravens’ performance fell short, with their offense failing to establish a rhythm.
Baltimore’s struggles were evident early on. The Ravens began positively, advancing from their own 25-yard line to the Texans’ 9-yard line on their opening drive. However, they settled for a field goal, scoring just three points in the first half. Quarterback Cooper Rush, who had previously filled in competently for the Dallas Cowboys, completed 14 of 20 passes for 179 yards but was intercepted three times. The Ravens’ inability to find offensive momentum compounded their difficulties.
Houston’s defense, ranked first in the league, stifled Baltimore’s efforts. The Ravens managed only 10 points, with Derrick Henry, who has historically performed well against the Texans, limited to just 33 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. This marked the fourth consecutive game in which Henry failed to reach 50 rushing yards, raising concerns about the team’s offensive capabilities without Jackson.
The Ravens entered the season with high expectations, boasting a talented roster on paper. Yet, with the current injury crisis, their depth has been tested severely. John Harbaugh and his coaching staff now face the critical challenge of regrouping and finding a way to salvage the season. Historically, only 16 teams in NFL history have started a season 1-4 and still made the playoffs, with the most recent being the 2024 Los Angeles Rams.
As the Ravens reflect on this disheartening loss, they must find a path forward. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the team if they hope to turn around their fortunes. With their season at risk, Baltimore will need to rally and recover quickly to avoid further damage to their playoff aspirations.
