The Baltimore Ravens
will begin the 2026 season as road favorites, but their recent history suggests Sunday’s opener against the Indianapolis Colts may be more difficult than the point spread indicates. Baltimore is a 3.5-point favorite over Indianapolis, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The line reflects the considerable talent difference between the teams and the expectations surrounding the Ravens entering Jesse Minter’s first season as head coach.Recent history suggests that it won't guarantee a comfortable afternoon.
Baltimore is 2-3 over its past five Week 1 road games and has lost its previous two. The Ravens opened the 2024 season with a loss at Kansas City before falling at Buffalo to begin the 2025 campaign.
Those defeats did not
result from a lack of production from star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Across the two road openers, Jackson threw three touchdown passes without an interception. He also rushed for 192 yards and another score, consistently providing Baltimore with opportunities to win.
The Ravens will need another efficient performance from their two-time NFL MVP in Indianapolis. Jackson enters the opener healthy and energized by Declan Doyle’s new offense. He has praised the system’s movement, creativity, and explosive-play potential, but Sunday will mark Doyle’s first regular-season game as an NFL play caller.
Baltimore will also start Jovaughn Gwyn at center for the first time. Communication between Gwyn, Jackson and the rest of the offensive line will be important against a Colts defensive front featuring DeForest Buckner, Laiatu Latu, Arden Key and Adetomiwa Adebawore. Indianapolis also has enough offensive talent to challenge Baltimore’s defense. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, while Daniel Jones has several receiving options capable of creating explosive plays.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens open as 3.5-point road favorites over Colts in Week 1
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