Some things can't be scripted. NFL regular-season openers are on that list. No one can be certain of anything on the opening weekend of any campaign. We finally get to see what the Baltimore Ravenshave been working on all spring and summer. The journey begins at Lucas Oil Stadium vs. an Indianapolis Colts team that was rolling last season before all of those injuries derailed everything.
Teams spend months preparing, installing schemes and studying opponents, but Week 1 always introduces variables that cannot be fully anticipated. The Ravens and Colts enter Sunday's matchup with legitimate playoff aspirations, but neither team truly knows how it will respond once the opening whistle starts this one.
Both rosters feature star power, physical rushing
attacks, and defenses capable of taking over a game. Here are five factors that may ultimately decide who starts the season 1-0.
The war of the trenches
Everything in this matchup starts up front. The Ravens want to establish Derrick Henry behind a rebuilt offensive line featuring first-time starting center Jovaughn Gwyn. The Colts, meanwhile, want to create running lanes for Jonathan Taylor and protect quarterback Daniel Jones.
Whichever team wins the battle at the line of scrimmage will likely dictate the flow of the game. If Baltimore's front controls the action, Henry could wear down Indianapolis as the game progresses. If the Colts generate movement against the Ravens' defensive front, Taylor becomes a major problem. The winner of the trenches often wins the game, and that may be especially true in this matchup.
Time of possession
Few games feature two running backs of this caliber. Henry and Taylor remain among the NFL's most dangerous offensive weapons, and both teams understand the value of controlling the football. Sustained drives do more than move the chains. They keep opposing offenses on the sideline, wear down defenses and help establish rhythm.
If either team builds a lead, its running game becomes even more valuable. Both Henry and Taylor are capable of carrying an offense through the fourth quarter and helping salt away a victory. Possession totals may not tell the entire story, but they could tell a significant portion of it.
Explosive plays
Long drives are important. One-play touchdowns are even better. The Colts have dangerous weapons capable of creating chunk gains through the air and on the ground.
Taylor can score from anywhere on the field, while Alec Pierce has developed into a legitimate vertical threat. Baltimore presents similar challenges. Zay Flowers can create separation in space, Rashod Bateman has become a reliable downfield target and Lamar Jackson remains one of football's most dangerous playmakers.
A game that appears destined to become a physical, possession-based battle could quickly swing on one explosive play.
The war of attrition
For the first time all year, starters will be asked to play a complete game. Training camp and preseason work can help prepare players, but there is no substitute for meaningful football.
Several Ravens defenders, including Calais Campbell and Jesse Minter, acknowledged this week that tackling remains a major point of emphasis entering the opener. Fatigue often creates mistakes. Missed tackles, blown assignments and mental lapses tend to increase as games wear on.
The team that remains fresher and more disciplined in the fourth quarter could gain a decisive advantage.
Who becomes the unexpected hero?
Week 1 games rarely follow the script everyone expects. The spotlight will naturally focus on Jackson, Henry, Taylor and the other marquee names. Yet season openers often turn on contributions from players who receive far less attention during the buildup.
Perhaps it is Tyler Loop converting a pressure-packed kick. Maybe Ja'Kobi Lane delivers a timely reception. Maybe a rotational pass rusher produces a game-changing sack or a defensive back comes away with a crucial takeaway. Star players usually shape the headlines, but supporting cast members frequently decide the outcome.
The Ravens enter Week 1 as one of the AFC's most talented teams, but talent alone guarantees nothing. By the time Sunday's game concludes, one of these factors may prove to be the difference between opening the season with a victory or spending the next week searching for answers.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Colts: 5 factors that may decide Week 1
