HOUSTON -- A few thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' 25-13 loss Sunday to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium:
What it means: One of the worst games of Joe Flacco's career led to the Ravens (9-6) losing control of their playoff fate. The Ravens are no longer guaranteed a playoff berth if they win in the regular-season finale. To clinch next Sunday, the Ravens would need to beat the Cleveland Browns at home and the San Diego Chargers would have to lose at the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens were eliminated from the AFC North title race after the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Chiefs on Sunday.
Giving it away: Flacco threw three interceptions in a game for the first time since the 2013 regular-season finale, and the Texans converted his three turnovers into 13 points. Flacco had thrown only one interception in his previous five games. He finished 21-of-50 for 195 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Flacco's career-worst half: Flacco had a nightmare first half, completing 3 of 18 passes for 27 yards and two interceptions. Flacco's 16.7 completion rate was the worst completion rate in a half in his career and the worst in a half for any quarterback this season (minimum 10 attempts), according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Defense hangs tough: This would've been a blowout if not for the stinginess of the Ravens' defense against fourth-string quarterback Case Keenum. The Ravens held the Texans to 1-of-7 in the red zone. The only touchdown allowed was a trick play in the second quarter, when running back Arian Foster threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz.
Injuries piling up: Running back Justin Forsett suffered an undisclosed injury and didn't carry the ball in the final nine minutes of the game. Fitzgerald Toussaint, a former practice squad player, replaced him. Starting right tackle Rick Wagner was carted off with a foot injury and didn't return, and left tackle Eugene Monroe left with an undisclosed injury. That forced the Ravens to go with James Hurst at left tackle and Marshal Yanda at right tackle. John Urschel moved into Yanda's spot at right guard.
Stock watch: Falling -- Forsett. He was held to a season-low 19 yards on 10 carries. Forsett's previous low this season was 38 yards. He has now been held under 3 yards per carry for two straight games. It makes you wonder whether his career-high carry totals in previous weeks are beginning to wear him down.
Game ball: Wide receiver Torrey Smith. He produced the Ravens' only touchdowns, catching TD passes of 8 and 20 yards. Smith did have a bad drop earlier in the game, but everyone did something wrong for the Ravens in Houston. Honestly, no one deserved a game ball in this debacle.
What's next: The Ravens close out the regular season by playing the Browns at home. The Browns are one of two teams that haven't won a regular-season finale since 2010. (St. Louis is the other.)
