The Indianapolis Colts open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens.
To help us preview this matchup, Glenn Erby, the managing editor of Ravens Wire, answered a handful of our questions to provide some insights into this Baltimore team.
Obviously, it’s early, but what was learned about new HC Jesse Minter during offseason programs and training camp?
Ravens Wire: Minter has been organized, direct, and consistent since taking over. He brings energy without manufacturing it, and players have responded to his detailed but collaborative approach. He has also allowed his coordinators to establish their identities while remaining heavily involved with the defense. The biggest takeaway is that he appears comfortable leading the entire operation rather than simply functioning as a defensive-minded head coach. The regular season will present different
challenges, but the transition from John Harbaugh has been smoother than many expected.
What is an expected strength of the Ravens entering the 2026 season?
Ravens Wire: Baltimore’s defensive front should be its biggest strength. The Ravens added Trey Hendrickson to a group that could regain Nnamdi Madubuike while also featuring Calais Campbell, Travis Jones, and second-round pick Zion Young. Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton give the defense elite talent behind that front. If Madubuike remains healthy, Baltimore should be able to stop the run without sacrificing its ability to pressure quarterbacks.
On the flip side, what is a potential concern?
Ravens Wire: The interior offensive line is the primary concern. Baltimore will start Jovaughn Gwyn at center and rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane at right guard. Gwyn has never started an NFL game, while Ioane will make his regular-season debut against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Ravens are also installing Declan Doyle’s offense, so communication and protection errors could occur early. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry can cover plenty of weaknesses, but Indianapolis has the personnel to test that inexperienced interior.
Who is one under-the-radar player on offense and defense for Colts fans to watch?
Ravens Wire: He's not really under-the-radar after an explosive training camp, but on offense, watch rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. The third-round pick gives Baltimore a 6-foot-4 target who can win contested catches and provide a larger target alongside Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. He may not receive heavy volume immediately, but he could become a factor in the red zone or on third down.
Defensively, Zion Young is the player to watch. The second-round pick is a powerful 6-foot-6 edge defender who can set the edge against Jonathan Taylor and collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Hendrickson will command most of the attention, potentially creating favorable opportunities for Young.
Final prediction and score
Ravens Wire: Indianapolis can keep this competitive by establishing Taylor and allowing Buckner and Stewart to attack Baltimore’s inexperienced interior offensive line. The Colts also have enough pass-catching talent to challenge a Ravens secondary adjusting to Minter’s system. Ultimately, Baltimore has more difference-makers and the best player on the field in Jackson. The Ravens pull away late after a close first three quarters.
Ravens 27, Colts 23
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts vs. Ravens: Inside look at Week 1 matchup v. Baltimore
