The Houston Texans torched the Baltimore Ravens 43-13 to claim the best record in the AFC.
Ravens vs. Texans final score: Texans take AFC crown with convincing 43-13 win
The Ravens never had much of a shot as the Texans offense rolled and the defense kept Joe Flacco and Ray Rice in check throughout the entire game.
Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE
The Houston Texans' defense hassled Joe Flacco all day, sacking Flacco for a safety and returning an interception for a touchdown. Flacco finished the game with only and the Texans' defense held Ray Rice to just 54 total yards - his lowest output of the year.
The Ravens led 3-2 throughout most of the first quarter, but that would prove to be their only lead of the game. Starting with wide receiver Kevin Walter's 25-yard touchdown reception to close out the first quarter, the Texans scored 27 unanswered points to take a 29-3 lead at halftime.
Quarterback Matt Schaub finished the day with 256 passing yards and two touchdowns. Running back Arian Foster ran for 98 yards on 19 carries and a couple of touchdowns as well.
Flacco was never able to get much of anything going. He finally found the end zone in the third quarter when he connected with Tandon Doss on a 15-yard touchdown reception, but that would be his only highlight reel of the day. He threw two interceptions and was sacked four times by a Houston defense intent on making his life miserable.
Fantasy studs/duds:
The Houston defense ended up with quite the spectacular line -- two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), a safety and four sacks. Arian Foster didn’t eclipse 100 yards, but he padded his fantasy line with a couple of touchdowns. Wide receiver Andre Johnson finished with a solid PPR line with 86 yards on nine catches. Tight end Owen Daniels added 59 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, anyone on the Ravens that made their way onto fantasy rosters this week will be a detriment to their owners. The Ravens defense is bound to incur some negative points after allowing 43 points. Flacco only finished the game with 147 passing yards, a touchdown, two interceptions and a fumble lost. Rice only got 52 total yards and Torrey Smith was limited to 41 yards on four receptions.
Odds/Gambling: The Texans were favored by 6.5 points going into the game and did more than enough to beat the spread. With an over/under sitting at 47.5, the Texans also single handedly surpassed that.
Next team on the schedule:
The Houston Texans have a bye week next week, and will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. The Ravens also have a week off to lick their wounds and will aim to get back on track against the Cleveland Browns in Week 9.
This story originally appeared on SB Nation.com.
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