After months of waiting, the Ravens will kick off the Jesse Minter era on the road against Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Baltimore has the more talented roster at several premium positions, but Indianapolis has enough strengths to make Sunday’s opener difficult.
With kickoff fast approaching, we're examining who holds the advantage at each position.
Quarterback: Ravens. Daniel Jones was excellent when healthy, but Lamar Jackson remains one of the NFL’s most difficult players to defend, and he's motivated to lead Baltimore to a Super Bowl.
Running back: Even. Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor both surpassed 1,500 yards and ranked among the league leaders in rushing touchdowns last season. This matchup of two elite
running backs will be something to watch.
Wide receiver: Colts. Zay Flowers is the best receiver in the matchup, but Alec Pierce, Keenan Allen, and Josh Downs give Indianapolis greater proven depth and a slight advantage. Until Ja'Kobi Lane makes plays in the regular season, his heroics in the training camp and preseason action are now null and void.
Tight end: Colts. Mark Andrews remains dependable, but Tyler Warren’s 76 catches and versatility create a slight advantage for Indianapolis.
Offensive line: Even. Baltimore is starting Jovaughn Gwyn and rookie Vega Ioane inside. Indianapolis has Quenton Nelson and greater continuity on the left side.
Defensive line: Ravens. Baltimore’s additions provide more depth despite Nnamdi Madubuike sitting out the opener. Although DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart can control the interior, Travis Jones, John Jenkins, and Calais Campbell give the Ravens an edge.
Linebacker: Ravens. Roquan Smith is the best linebacker in the game, while Indianapolis enters with a relatively inexperienced group.
Secondary: Even. Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward give the Colts proven corners. Baltimore counters with Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins.
Special teams: Colts. Indianapolis was more consistent on long field goals last season, while Tyler Loop finished 1-for-4 from beyond 50 yards.
Final analysis
Baltimore has the most important advantage at quarterback. If the Ravens protect Jackson and contain Taylor, that edge should be enough to decide the opener.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Colts: Who has the advantage at each position in Week 1?
