The Baltimore Ravens' playoff hopes have been dealt a blow as they slipped to a 25-13 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans at the Reliant Stadium this evening.
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After Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Savage were both ruled out with injuries, the Texans had to re-sign Case Keenum to start at quarterback this week, and he picked up a big gain with Andre Johnson early on.
The hosts could not find the endzone, though, having to settle for three Randy Bullock field goals to take the lead in the first half.
The Ravens also made a slow start to the game as Joe Flacco threw two interceptions while looking to get the visitors off the mark before the break, leaving them without a score in the first half.
Houston finally found the endzone just before the break as Keenum handed the ball off to Arian Foster, who completed a short pass to CJ Fiedorowicz for a touchdown, which is the first thrown by a running back in the NFL this season.
The Ravens managed to get off the mark early in the second quarter when Flacco picked out Torrey Smith with a deep pass to the back of the endzone.
Bullock remained accurate with the kicking duties, though, adding a further six points from field goals to extend the Texans' lead to 15 points at the start of the fourth quarter.
The Ravens gave themselves some late hope when Flacco connected with Smith again for another touchdown, but the quarterback was brought down by JJ Watt as he lined up a two-point conversion pass, leaving the Ravens needing two touchdowns late on.
Watt sacked the quarterback again while Flacco was looking to close the gap, ensuring that the hosts held on for the win.
The Ravens can still reach the post-season, but must win next weekend and hope other results go their way, while the Texans move to 8-7.
