Baltimore faces a dangerous Indianapolis offense, but the Ravens have the personnel to control Sunday’s opener at Lucas Oil Stadium and start the season off with a much-needed win. Eric DeCosta has constructed a loaded roster that faces Super Bowl pressure and one of the most expensive groups in the NFL.
Here are five reasons for optimism entering Week 1.
1. Lamar Jackson
Jackson finished 2025 with a 103.8 passer rating and averaged 8.4 yards per attempt. His mobility creates an especially difficult challenge for Indianapolis’ inexperienced linebackers.
2. Derrick Henry
Henry rushed for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns. He leads the NFL over the past two seasons with 3,516 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns.
3. Baltimore’s rebuilt front
Trey Hendrickson and Calais Campbell join a group featuring Nnamdi Madubuike,
Travis Jones, Mike Green and several promising young defenders.
4. Red-zone defense
The Ravens ranked sixth by allowing touchdowns on only 50.8% of opponents’ trips inside the 20. Indianapolis may move the football, but Baltimore has shown it can prevent drives from becoming touchdowns.
5. Indianapolis’ pass defense
The Colts allowed 247.9 passing yards per game and ranked 31st. Sauce Gardner strengthens the secondary, but Jackson should have opportunities when Indianapolis commits additional defenders to stopping Henry.
Final analysis
The Ravens must handle the atmosphere and avoid another slow road start. Their combination of quarterback play, rushing ability, and defensive versatility still provides a clear path to victory.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why the Ravens should feel confident entering their season opener
