Ravens open as 6.5 point favorite against Colts

**PGCountyRaven85** · 12-30-2012, 10:51 PM

I feel good about our chances with Ray, a rested Sizzle, Pollard, Reed, Ellerbe, Ngata against The Colts. They have some players, like the Hilton kid. He's explosive, Fleener, and of course the old crafty, still dangerous Reggie Wayne. On defense, they have Mathis/Freeney, Vonta Davis, Bathea...and...that's about it. I think we'll win this.

**iggyman555** · 12-30-2012, 11:38 PM

that dude #65 iirc was putting pressure on shwab all day

**BIGBALL** · 12-31-2012, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by ctulb

Seems like every time we've faced them in the playoffs recently, they've gone in with one of the worst ranked run defenses and we think we're gonna run right over them. Then they morph into the 85 Bears for one week and we struggle to get 80 on the ground.

Really hope Rice and Leach chew them up and spit them out, but don't think it's a given. Pagano will have something up his sleeve to get after Flacco too. Still think we grind it out though for the win.

They will stack the box on defense and force Joe to beat them. I think Joe will, but I am a lot more worried about this game than a lot of fans, who almost seem to think it's a gimme...

**RavensNTerps** · 12-31-2012, 08:26 AM

Not saying it's a 100% lock, but it's close.

Not sure how the Ravens have consistently gotten lucky with our first round playoff matches in the Harbaugh/Flacco era, but hell I'll take it!

Dolphins, Chiefs, Texans sans QB, and Colts were all not real playoff caliber teams. The Colts stink, honestly. And to be completely truthful Luck hasn't been all that great. I love the Pagano story and all, but they're not a real threat. They will be in the coming years, but not this year IMO.

**webbrick2007** · 12-31-2012, 08:32 AM

What will the plan be when Flacco get's outplayed by a rookie QB, at home??

If the Colts are able to stack the box and stop the run, Flacco will give away another game with an ill timed fumble and interception.

**wickedsolo** · 12-31-2012, 08:35 AM

What's up troll.

**moose10101** · 12-31-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by veritas

The Colts couldn't improve their seeding today yet went out and beat Houston who actually had a lot to play for.

I think the return of their head coach from cancer treatment gave them plenty to play for. And Houston seems to have lost their way. Neither will be the case next week.

**GOTA** · 12-31-2012, 09:04 AM

I'd take the Colts if I was betting the game. I see the Ravens winning on a late field goal.

**Ravenswintitle** · 12-31-2012, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by Knox Harrington

Colts won't score more then 10 points next week.

I dunno about that; they've been scoring points against every opponent. I think the Ravens will need to match scores to win this one at least in the 20's.

**Knox Harrington** · 12-31-2012, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I dunno about that; they've been scoring points against every opponent. I think the Ravens will need to match scores to win this one at least in the 20's.

If the Ravens can elimate big plays (long throws to Hilton & Wayne & special teams returns) I would be floored if the Colts scored two TD's.

Take a look at Luck's stats the last half of the season and you'll see he is under 50% completion rate and has a bunch of picks (against some subpar defenses).

If the Ravens can play their old style defense (stop the run & don't give up big passing plays), then I'm seeing a long day for Luck.

I think the sky is the limit for Luck, but he's a couple years away from prime time.

**chicagoravensfan** · 12-31-2012, 10:28 AM

Through week 16 Football Outsiders has the Colts as having the worst defense in the NFL, as well as worst Run Defense and 31st Pass Defense. As bad as the Ravens run defense was this year, we were still only 25th in Run Defense. Granted their good performance against Houston will help their rankings but this is a defense that's rated as being even worse than the Raiders that Flacco shredded.

**PerpetuallyBored74** · 12-31-2012, 02:32 PM

Ravens offense has dominated weak defenses this season, especially at home.

**Paintballguy** · 12-31-2012, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by chicagoravensfan

Through week 16 Football Outsiders has the Colts as having the worst defense in the NFL, as well as worst Run Defense and 31st Pass Defense. As bad as the Ravens run defense was this year, we were still only 25th in Run Defense. Granted their good performance against Houston will help their rankings but this is a defense that's rated as being even worse than the Raiders that Flacco shredded.

Originally Posted by PerpetuallyBored74

Ravens offense has dominated weak defenses this season, especially at home.

I have confidence that the offense will shred the Colts' defense.

Also, from Filmstudy's latest writeup.

A.Q. Shipley has stabilized the Colts’ offensive line with his play at center the last 3 weeks, but aside from Castonzo, the rest of them have not played well. Jeff Linkenbach has been moved all over and played poorly. Mike McGlynn has been one of the worst guards in football over the second half. Samson Satele may or may not be back for Sunday, but he hasn’t played well when active. Former Ravens’ camp fixture Joe Reitz has played 479 snaps at LG, including much of the 2nd half. This is an opportunity for Ngata, Jones, Cody, and Kemo to step up with a big effort.