It’s time for some last-minute predictions for the Baltimore Ravens’ Week 1 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts!
Baltimore Beatdown’s staff was unanimous in picking the Ravens to win by at least a touchdown. Check out their key storylines, X-factors, and score predictions below!
Dustin Cox
I predict a low-scoring, defensive game between these two teams. The Ravens’ new-look interior offensive line will be tested immediately against DeForest Buckner. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s defense will be chomping at the bit to get after Daniel Jones in his first game back from a torn Achilles.
X-factor: Roquan Smith. The Ravens will need their highly-paid linebacker to be on his best this week if they want to slow down Jonathan Taylor on the ground. Smith could find himself matched up with the talented second-year tight end Tyler Warren in the passing game as well.
Score prediction: Ravens 23, Colts 16
Frank Platko
Week 1 will present a good first test for the Ravens’ reshaped interior offensive line and young wide receivers. The Colts have a capable front seven and secondary. The Ravens are integrating three new interior starters up front. Jovaughn Gwyn and Vega Ioane’s reps against DeForest Buckner will be worth watching.
X-factor: Travis Jones. Jones missed some time in training camp but will be relied upon heavily with Nnamdi Madubuike still sidelined for Week 1. Jonathan Taylor presents a difficult matchup as one of the league’s elite running backs. Jones’ ability to plug rushing lanes and get interior pressure on QB Daniel Jones will be key.
Score prediction: Ravens 27, Colts 17
Zach Canter
I think a lot is being made up both defenses taking charge of offenses that might not be at their best to open the season for various reasons. But not enough people have talked about how befuddled defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has been by Lamar Jackson. During his six years as the Bengals DC, the Ravens averaged nearly 30 points a game during 12 regular season games from 2019-2024 against Anarumo’s defenses. I think Derrick Henry could feast again an unsure linebacker core for the Ravens to help control a strong interior line for the Colts. The big matchup for me is Zay Flowers.
X-factor: As long as Zay Flowers can continue to cook against top corners (Pat Surtain, Derek Stingley, Christian Gonzalez) and control the game against Sauce Gardner, the Ravens should be able to move the ball.
Score predictions: Ravens 28, Colts 17
Stephen Bopst
My key storyline to watch today has to be the Ravens defensive line and specifically, Trey Hendrickson. The Ravens lack of a pass rush ended up being their undoing last year and while Zach Orr and the secondary had a part to play in their defensive performance, the inability to get after the opposing QB made things especially difficult for the team. The Ravens have made a few key additions this offseason but none bigger than Hendrickson. At his floor, he is statistically a top 5 pure pass rusher in the league and a continuation of that will do wonders for Jesse Minter and this revamped Ravens defense. If the Ravens can generate consistent pressure with four lineman today against a good Colts offensive line, they will win the game and give major optimism for season long success, especially with the impending return of Nmandi Madubuike.
X-factor: Mike Green
Score prediction: Ravens 23, Colts 17
