Houston @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 21, 2012 ) Baltimore 13, Houston 43

Houston has been thriving on impressive comebacks while defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore is attempting to land its first signature win without the retired Ray Lewis when the Ravens host the Texans on Sunday. Houston rallied from 21 points down to beat San Diego in its opener and overcame an eight-point, fourth-quarter deficit to slay Tennessee in overtime. Baltimore was ambushed by Denver in its opener before beating lowly Cleveland.

Former Ravens safety Ed Reed, who underwent offseason hip surgery, was listed as questionable and could play for the first time since joining the Texans and departing Baltimore as a free agent. “Another big step forward,” Houston coach Gary Kubiak said after Thursday’s practice. “All indications are we’re heading in the right direction.” Baltimore also has a key player ailing in running back Ray Rice, who injured his left hip flexor in the contest against Cleveland and is listed as doubtful after he didn't participate in practices. “He’s not going to need the practice to play in the game,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Texans –2.5. O/U: 45.

ABOUT THE TEXANS (2-0): Star receiver Andre Johnson suffered a concussion in the game against the Titans but is expected to be cleared to play. Johnson is tied for the NFL lead with 20 receptions and Houston appears to have found a sensational complement in first-round pick DeAndre Hopkins (12 receptions, 183 yards). Quarterback Matt Schaub has thrown six touchdowns but also has been intercepted three times. Defensive end J.J. Watt and outside linebacker Brian Cushing each have two sacks for a defense that is allowing 255.5 yards per game, fourth-lowest in the NFL.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (1-1): The defense is allowing an uncharacteristic 384.5 yards per game (tied for 21st in the NFL) while adjusting to the losses of Lewis and Reed. Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs has two sacks and has always terrorized the Texas, recording five sacks in five regular-season outings. If Rice is unable to play, second-year pro Bernard Pierce (57 yards on 19 carries against Cleveland) will draw the start. Quarterback Joe Flacco (573 yards) is struggling with his downfield throws and appears to miss departed standout Anquan Boldin.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Baltimore has won five of the six regular-season meetings with last season’s 43-13 drubbing in Houston being the lone setback.

2. The Texans are the first team since the 1970 merger to win each of their first two games on the final play.

3. The Ravens are 34-7 in regular-season home games under Harbaugh.

PREDICTION: Ravens 27, Texans 24