Ravens’ Roquan Smith ready to shut down CJ Stroud, Texans in Divisional Round

The Baltimore Ravens are set to host the Houston Texans in the second round of the NFL playoffs, marking the Ravens’ first game of the postseason. Baltimore had a bye in the Wild Card after clinching the first seed in the AFC. They have their hands full with a young, explosive team that’s ready to turn heads. The Texans played a home matchup in round one, knocking off the Browns, but the Ravens don’t seem worried. Baltimore star Roquan Smith spoke on the matchup and preparedness of his team.

“I think they’re definitely improved, but so are we when you look at it . . . The offense is definitely clicking, but we wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Smith, per Josh Alper at Pro Football Talk. “We’re prepared for it, and we’re ready to go to war regardless of who it’s against, and they’re the team that’s coming in here. Business is is business handled.”

Smith and the Ravens hosted the Texans in September, defeating Houston 25-9. The Week 1 matchup showed promise from rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, but he’s a completely different player now. Stroud has this Texans team rolling with a playoff win, producing one of the best offenses in the league.

Houston is playing phenomenal football as of late, but they haven’t played the Ravens. Baltimore is arguably the best team in the NFL with deep lineups on both sides of the ball, especially the defensive end. The Texans’ run was great to watch, but Smith and the Ravens have what it takes to put a halt to the Cinderella story.