Ravens (5-2) at Colts (5-2)
Sunday, 1 ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Ravens by 3
Colts’ keys to victory: Against a tough Ravens defense, the Colts will need to limit their mistakes.If LT Anthony Castonzo and the rest of the offensive line keeps QB Philip Rivers clean, the Colts can take some of the pressure off by getting rookie RB Jonathan Taylor going in the ground game. Staying ready for the blitz will be a task throughout the game. Indy will want to get its tight ends going with Trey Burton and Mo Alie-Cox in the middle of the field while allowing WR T.Y. Hilton to make plays after the catch. On defense, DTs DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart must control the tempo and find a way to contain the Ravens’ ground game.
Ravens’ keys to victory: Getting QB Lamar Jackson into open space to run. The Colts’ defense has been susceptible to quarterbacks making plays outside the pocket, so Jackson needs to buy time if there is quick pressure. Led by LB Patrick Queen, the Ravens’ defense will want to stack the box against Taylor and force Rivers to make plays in the passing game. Rivers’ lack of mobility will play to Baltimore’s strength on defense.
Matchup to watch: Colts DE Justin Houston vs. Ravens RT Orlando Brown. Houston has to find a way to set the edge and contain Jackson from extending plays with his feet. Brown is also susceptible to allowing pressure.
Who wins? Indy has yet to face a team that can dominate like Baltimore. With the prospect of Jackson running free outside the pocket and with Rivers prone to mistakes, the Ravens should prove too big of a challenge.
Ravens 29-20