Colts (1-3) at Ravens (3-1)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore TV: ESPN
Tipico Sportsbook line: Ravens by 7 ⁄2
1
Colts’ keys to victory: Indianapolis can find success if it is able to stop Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. However, one more realistic area that the Colts can exploit is the fact that Baltimore hasn’t been great at converting third downs in 2021. The Ravens have been one of the worst teams in the league in 3rdand-long situations as well. On the defensive side of the ball, Baltimore has had major tackling issues and can sometimes struggle to defend screens. If Indianapolis can make defenders miss, it could be a long night for the Ravens.
Ravens’ keys to victory: The run game is lethal but is missing RBs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. They have a complement of veteran backs that include Latavius Murray and Devonta Freeman, and Lamar Jackson is always a threat with his legs. The Ravens also have to lean on the pass game a bit, as it has taken a clear step forward. On defense, Baltimore has to clean up tackling issues.
Matchup to watch: Colts ILB Darius Leonard vs. Ravens’ Jackson. The last time these two teams matched up, Baltimore won 24-10. However, at the beginning of the game the Indianapolis defense was giving the Ravens offense fits. A lot of that had to do with Leonard, who finished with 15 total tackles and a fumble recovery. Leonard, one of the best linebackers in the NFL, is a good player to have as a “Jackson stopper.”
Who wins? Baltimore has begun to put the pieces together after losing so many of its players to injury, and a prime-time game under the lights of M&T Bank Stadium will be hard to cough up.
Ravens, 27-21