One of the more intriguing Week 1 matchups features two quarterbacks entering the season with something to prove for very different reasons. Lamar Jackson is trying to get Baltimore back among the AFC's elite after an injury-interrupted 2025 season and an offseason coaching change.
Jesse Minter replaces longtime coach John Harbaugh and takes over a Ravens team with plenty of familiar star power. One particularly important weapon appears ready, too. Zay Flowers returned after missing two weeks and looked close to full strength during Tuesday's practice.
Indianapolis, meanwhile, is out to show last year's tale of two seasons is more representative of the 8-2 start than the 0-7 finish. The Colts get Daniel Jones back for his first game since tearing
his Achilles in December, and he returns to an offense with plenty of help. Jonathan Taylor remains one of the league's best backs, Tyler Warren is coming off a Pro Bowl season, Josh Downs returns and Alec Pierce is expected to play after spending training camp recovering from ankle surgery. Indianapolis also added veteran Keenan Allen.
The defense could be even more interesting. Sauce Gardner now headlines a secondary that also includes Charvarius Ward, who should be available after dealing with a back injury. Baltimore's offensive line bears watching, too. Jovaughn Gwyn emerged from camp as the starting center after injuries and offseason movement reshuffled the position. That could give Indianapolis an opportunity to make Jackson uncomfortable from the start.
Ravens at Colts live odds
Opening Lines
- Spread: Ravens -3.5
- Moneyline: Ravens -175; Colts +150
- Over/Under: 47.5
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Ravens at Colts picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Ravens -3.5
Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce are healthy enough to play, but what will they look like after suffering notable injuries that required surgery? The Ravens' offensive line may not provide the protection and blocking Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry need all year, but that unit should be able to do enough in Jesse Minter's head coaching debut, even on the road. Jackson will be out to prove John Harbaugh was the problem for recent underachievement, not him.
Tom Viera: Ravens -3.5
Baltimore will bully their way to a win on the road to open the season. Daniel Jones' first game since a torn Achilles is a concern against Jesse Minter's defense.
Richard Morin: Ravens -3.5
This was one of the easier picks for me. I just don't know if I trust Daniel Jones to overcome this defense in his first game action following a major injury.
Where to watch Ravens at Colts
- Matchup: Colts vs. Ravens
- Date: Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 1 picks, predictions, odds
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colts vs Ravens predictions, picks, odds for NFL Week 1 game
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