Texans

Tight end Todd Heap likely won't be able to play in the Ravens' game against the Houston Texans Monday night. Heap pulled his right hamstring running a seam route on the very first play of the team's eventual 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night. Heap did not return to the game, and coach John Harbaugh said Monday that it doesn't appear that Heap will be ready for Houston. "I think Todd's probably the one that we really are concerned about," Harbaugh said.

It's semifinals week on “Dancing with the Stars,” and Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff had two dances this week: Argentine Tango and Lindy Hop (chosen by Twitter users). First up was the Argentine Tango. Karina and Jacoby are losing their patience with each other in rehearsal this week. During rehearsal on the ballroom stage for camera blocking, Karina had a flip over Jacoby that ended with her landing on her jaw, and it sounds like she might have had a slight concussion. She goes to the hospital, but we don't follow her there.

Live Ravens chat: Divisional playoff vs. Texans

Ed Dickson has started all five games at tight end, but Dennis Pitta said his exposure in the Ravens' 29-14 win against the Houston Texans Sunday was his longest of the season. “I definitely played quite a bit,” said Pitta, who was unable to estimate how many snaps he played. “I was happy to see the field a little bit more and try to contribute out there. It was a fun game.” Pitta caught two passes for nine yards, but he was targeted a season-high four times by quarterback Joe Flacco against Houston.

The Houston Texans appeared like a different team without five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson in their 25-20 loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Quarterback Matt Schaub threw for 416 yards and two touchdowns, but he completed just 47.1 percent (24-of-51) of his passes, was sacked three times, and tossed two interceptions. Coach Gary Kubiak told Baltimore media during a conference call Wednesday that Johnson, who underwent surgery on his hamstring last week, is out for Sunday's contest against the Ravens, but as far as the defense is concerned, the Texans still pose a significant challenge through the air. Tight ends Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen combined for 12 catches for 201 yards and one touchdown, and starting wide receiver Kevin Walter hauled in five receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown against Oakland.

Ravens recap: Ravens pull away from Texans in 4th quarter

SAN ANTONIO -- Baltimore figured its rematch with San Antonio would not resemble last week's rout over the Texans, and the Stallions got the type of game they expected last night at the Alamodome.In a contest that was seemingly deadlocked all night, Baltimore overcame a sluggish offense, injuries to quarterback Tracy Ham, center Nick Subis and punter Josh Miller, and a fine effort from Texans quarterback David Archer to escape with a 28-23 victory before 18,112.The victory gave the Stallions (2-1)

Jeff Zrebiec, reporter: Despite a heroic effort from Terrell Suggs, all the Ravens' weaknesses came to the surface. They now have a bye week to figure out why the offense continues to come up so small on the road, why they still haven't been able to get much pressure on the opposing QB and why so many receivers continue to run free in the secondary. The silver lining is Suggs looks like he'll be able to give the Ravens much more than anybody expected and 5-2 at the bye isn't a bad place to be. Matt Vensel, reporter/blogger: I could have submitted this one to my editors sometime in the second quarter.

Unless there's some sort of football fast we're unaware of (and if there is, that should be outlawed), chances are you'll be eating and drinking during Sunday's playoff game. A lot. So we're here to make it just a bit more fun as you watch the Ravens take on the Texans. Things may be “bigger” in Texas, but our Ravens Playoff Drinking Game™ is better. Enjoy (responsibly)! Drink •••• When Joe Flacco overthrows a pass of 20 yards or more •••• Each time Arian Foster fails to pass the line of scrimmage •••• For every unnecessary mention of Tim Tebow •••• Whenever the camera shows Poe •••• Whenever the commentators remind viewers the Steelers lost to the Broncos •••• When there's a random reference to “The Wire” Do a shot •••• If T.J. Yates gets knocked out of the game •••• Wow, George W. Bush makes an appearance!

Each week, Baltimore Sun reporters Aaron Wilson and Matt Vensel will look back at the Ravens' previous game and that of their next opponent. Packers 42, Texans 24 Strategy: The Houston Texans are one of the most balanced offensive teams in the league, and they want to run the ball with Arian Foster then make you pay with play-action. But they fell behind early to the Packers and had to rely more on quick passes while taking a few deep shots down the field. On defense, they are reminiscent of the Dallas Cowboys in that they use a 3-4 base defense and their cornerbacks use bump-and-run coverage down the field.