There was a time when a return visit from the horseshoes, once synonymous with Baltimore, would stir up emotions – hostile emotions. Today, those feelings of angst have subsided for the most part thanks to the Ravens success and the Colts relative irrelevancy in recent times. To put things in perspective, the Ravens are playing their 28th season in Charm City. The Colts represented Baltimore in the NFL for 31 seasons. This is their 40th season in Indianapolis.
The Colts will arrive as underdogs. Currently the line is 8 points and the over/under is 44. The forecast at kickoff calls for cloudy skies, temperature of 64 degrees with a 46% chance of precipitation. Here’s how the RSR Staff sees it playing out.
ᴡᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʀʀɪᴏʀꜱ… pic.twitter.com/lYlXhcqZba
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 21, 2023
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Tony Lombardi
This game has all the characteristics of a trap game. The Ravens are expected to win. The Colts are prohibitive dogs. They’re playing with house money. I expect a slow, sloppy start to this one, a game that could be affected by Mother Nature.
• The Colts will take a 3-0 lead on their first drive, led by Gardner Minshew. I have to admit that I hope Anthony Richardson emerges from concussion protocol and takes the reins of the Indy offense. Minshew worries me a bit more. He’s one of those Nick Foles, Ryan Fitzpatrick kind of guys. A player who can’t hold down the starting position yet comes on the scene in relief with enough swagger to rally his team.
• Minshew will throw for more yards than Lamar – call it 230 to 210. Lamar will also be sacked more often – 3 to 2. The difference will be that Minshew is more generous than Jackson, committing two turnovers to Lamar’s one. Points off that additional turnover will be the difference in the game. Geno Stone gets another pick while subbing slot corner Arthur Maulet forces a Minshew fumble while blitzing and scoops it up.
• Look for Todd Monken to throw early in the down and distance sequence. Like he did in Cincinnati, Monken will use the pass to set up more favorable second and third down situations. That helps the Ravens possess the ball 35 minutes to the Colts 25. Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers help to keep the chains moving. Each will have 5 catches but neither will average more than 10 yards per catch. Each will score in the red zone. Gus Edwards grinds away for 70 yards.
The Ravens hold on for the win as Minshew’s last possession and late heroics fall short in Baltimore territory.
Ravens 24 Colts 20
Kevin McNelis
It’s shaping up to look like another patchwork lineup as the Ravens have a laundry list of guys questionable for Sunday. At least this week they’re facing a team that’s also down a few key players, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Here’s how we might see it shake down:
— The Colts were already entering this contest without their primary offensive weapon in Jonathan Taylor. Now it looks like they may also be down standout rookie QB Anthony Richardson, as well as starting Center Ryan Kelly. If Gardner Minshew is called up to command the offense, expect the interior D-linemen to feast. The speedster Indy receivers will make a few pickups of chunk yardage, but they’ll get little-to-nothing on the ground.
— Don’t expect it to be all Ravens in terms of defensive play, though. The Colts defense boasts some big-name players like Shaq Leonard and DeForest Buckner, but they’ve also (quietly) fielded the top tackler in the league thus far this season in Zaire Franklin. They’ll get in the backfield regularly and pressure Lamar quite a bit, but their vulnerable secondary is going to lead to two deep, breakaway touchdown passes as LJ picks up the blitz.
— In an effort to not overload the banged up running back room, Baltimore is going to emphasize the pass. The rare exception will be a jailbreak run as the Colts overload one side, and LJ scampers out of the other side for a score. Otherwise, it’ll be the Zay Flowers show, as he goes off for over 100 yards and a score.
I expect that Indy is going to come out swinging, but you’ll see the Ravens pull away in the second half as they limit the Colts to field goals while Baltimore gets touchdowns the other way.
Ravens 27 Colts 13
Rob Shields
Another week where injuries are going to be an issue for the Ravens. None of the big injuries practiced yesterday, which means none of them are playing this week and probably will be out againt the Browns too (unless they get out there tomorrow).
Even though “it’s just the Colts,” when you are missing so many key guys and you are coming off a big road win and are looking at road division games coming up, you hope there is no looking ahead and you hope that the injuries don’t affect you.
Anthony Richardson may be out this week and that may not be a good thing as Gardner Minshew can get hot and pose problems.
That being said, this Colts team just doesn’t have much talent on it and the Ravens should be able to bring their B game, much less their A game, and win comfortably.
I think Lamar has a big day and Rashod Bateman breaks out some. Win the game and stay healthy!
Ravens 30 Colts 13
Brennan Stewart
It’s looking like a “gimme” win for Baltimore this weekend as the Indianapolis Colts deal with injuries among their top offensive starters (and I don’t just mean Jonathan Taylor).
Gardner Minshew officially gets the start now that Anthony Richardson is undergoing concussion protocol. Minshew’s last meeting with the Ravens was during Week 14 in 2020, in which he completed 22 out of 29 pass attempts for 226 yards and two touchdowns as a Jacksonville Jaguar.
Since becoming a pure backup the following year, Minshew has seen the field significantly less, and therefore will lack the same spark he showed in that 40-14 loss he suffered against Baltimore. Just too many cobwebs to brush off there.
And with Ryan Kelly and Quenton Nelson both on Wednesday’s injury report, it’s safe to bet on Minshew getting swallowed a few times by this Ravens defense if the pair is benched. Kelly, with a concussion, is definitely out. Nelson’s toe injury will be monitored through the week.
With that, here are some predictions:
- Indianapolis lets up the most sacks to a defense thus far, which is at least five. It will mark the team’s most sacks allowed in a single game this season.
- Minshew is due for an interception. I have a hunch Brandon Stephens makes the catch.
- Ravens struggle against the Colts defensive line, especially if Grover Stewart ends up playing. Baltimore barely gets over 100 rushing yards this week.
- Nelson Agholor finishes in the top-two for total yards among Baltimore’s receivers.
- Lamar Jackson throws for over 250 yards (his most yet) and two passing touchdowns.
Although Baltimore will also be packing its fair share of injuries, Indianapolis is likely to be without more of its key playmakers, giving Baltimore its fourth-ever 3-0 start to the season.
Ravens 24 Colts 13
Aidan Griesser
Gardner Minshew reminds me of Ryan Fitzpatrick — you know he shouldn’t beat you, but there’s always the chance he turns into the best gunslinger in the league for a game. In a lot of ways, I’d much rather play Anthony Richardson on Sunday. Regardless of who’s under center for the Colts, the rivalry should fuel an exciting game at M&T Bank Stadium.
— Lamar Jackson will struggle a bit in this game against a tough defensive front for Indianapolis. He’ll come up clutch late, but the offensive line won’t be quite as strong this week, and he’ll only toss 1 TD on Sunday.
— The big play on offense comes from Zay Flowers, who takes an end-around 40+ yards to the house on a key 3rd down. The TD gets the stadium rocking and turns the tide of the game.
— Gus Edwards keeps things moving on the ground, and pairing his power with the shifty Justice Hill gives the Colts serious problems late. Baltimore ices things with 5.5+ YPC in the 4th Quarter, including an Edwards score.
— Baltimore wins the game on defense, not letting Minshew take control of the game by keeping him on the run like a madman. David Ojabo notches two sacks, while Jadeveon Clowney continues to impress with a consistent push.
— Indianapolis keeps things close in the first half, but makes mistakes down the stretch, including a Zach Moss fumble forced by Roquan Smith and a Rock Ya-Sin interception against his former team.
Ravens 24 Colts 17
Derek Arnold
What worries me about this game is the weather. Lamar, for all his talents, has never been quite the “mudder” his predecessor Joe Flacco was. Still, I think back to that 49ers game in 2019 as an example of him getting it done despite the elements keeping his usual offensive prowess in check (the Ravens won 20-17). With rain AND wind, I expect both passing attacks to be pretty abysmal. However, I trust Todd Monken to put together a short air attack to keep the sticks moving, and the Ravens should eventually be able to wear down that impressive Indy front as Minshew & Co. struggle to get anything going.
I think on a sunny 70-degree day, this Baltimore squad runs the horseshoes out of the gym. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other ideas. Still, give me the Ravens in the slop.
Ravens 20 Colts 9
Darin McCann
This one feels a little dicey to me, if we’re being honest.
Top to bottom, from quarterback through special teams, the Ravens are the better team.They also have a better coaching staff and have shown an ability to win over the years that this version of the Colts still hasn’t, to this point. But I’m still a little nervous.
A guy like DeForest Buckner can disrupt an offense by himself. The Colts also have legitimate linebackers who can chase and catch ball-carriers. It just feels like one of those “ugly” Ravens games on tap this weekend. Here are some predictions:
- The Ravens struggle to get the traditional run game going, but Lamar Jackson runs for more than 100 yards.
- Zay Flowers explodes for a touchdown of more than 60 yards.
- Kyle Hamilton has a pick-six off a deflected pass — oh, let’s go ahead and give that tip to Brent Urban.
- Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen both record sacks.
Ravens 17 Colts 13
Jared Pinder
This is a type of game where in years past I would be afraid of the Ravens blowing it. Greg Roman’s scheme never could work against a team like the Colts unless Lamar would just take over. Now we have Todd Monken who can actually scheme wide receivers open against a bad secondary. The Colts have an awesome front four with vicious linebackers who will no doubt be keeping their eyes on Lamar all game.
Maybe it is because the O-Line did so well against another great front four last week,but personally I don’t think the Ravens should struggle to move the ball.
Indy will also be down multiple key prices with Kelly and Richardson both missing this game with concussions so yes I am being a bit of a contrarian and predicting a big win.
— The offense struggles to run the ball, but behind a better than perceived o-line Lamar throws for three plus touchdowns.
— The Ravens defense has a good day, holding the Colts to less than 21 points, but they do get a couple of plays off with a hurt secondary for the Ravens.
Ravens 31 Colts 17
Chad Racine
On paper, nothing about the Colts should worry the Ravens. That’s the only thing that worries me. Harbaugh has undoubtedly been driving that point home to focus on the current task at hand. If you have watched the Wired episodes you can hear him say it. The Colts’ interior defensive line of Grover Stewart and DeForrest Buckner is possibly the biggest match-up problem. The Colts have some good players, just none that make me nervous with no Jonathan Taylor and also unlikely to have Anthony Richardson.
— Gus Edwards will have a difficult time running up the middle and will be forced to run on the outside more than he’s used to.
— Lamar Jackson will be hot passing the ball with just under 300 yards and 3 touchdowns.
— Isaiah Likely will have his first touchdown of the season.
— Rashod Bateman will also have his first touchdown of the season.
— Nelson Agholor for the second straight week will have a touchdown and prove he was a better signing than originally given credit for by most fans.
— Travis Jones and Michael Pierce will both feast on the third-string center Wesley French. The Colts interior run game will be shut down and Jones will have a sack.
— Brandon Stephens will have a forced fumble recovered by Patrick Queen.
Ravens 24 Colts 9
Tanner George
After storming to one of the most satisfying wins in recent memory last week, the Ravens host the Colts at the Bank for their third game of 2023. Indy’s rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has impressed so far, but he’s in jeopardy of missing this week after sustaining a concussion against the Texans. I don’t see him playing on Sunday, meaning the Colts will likely turn to journeyman backup Gardner Minshew—a serviceable player in his own right.
Still, I have little hesitation in saying that the Ravens will absolutely dominate this contest. Lamar and the offense finally started to click last week in Cincy and should have their way with a shaky Colts defense. Expect a high-octane performance, highlighted by an explosive passing game that produces plenty of highlights. Mike McDonald’s defense will again be outstanding, shutting down all talks of Minshew Mania 2.0.
Putting their top talents on full display, the Ravens will cruise to 3-0 and cement their status as one of the top squads in the NFL.
Ravens 38 Colts 9
