The Baltimore Ravens couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2026 season.
Baltimore traveled to Indianapolis and dominated the Colts 41-23, giving new head coach Jesse Minter a statement victory in his first regular-season game. The Ravens overwhelmed Indianapolis on both sides of the ball, piling up 506 total yards while controlling the game from the second quarter onward.
Lamar Jackson Leads the Way
Lamar Jackson looked every bit like the superstar Baltimore needs him to be.
Jackson completed 17 of 25 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 40 yards and another score. He was particularly effective in the first half, throwing for 229 yards as Baltimore built a huge advantage before halftime.
One of Jackson’s biggest plays came when he connected with Zay Flowers for a 54-yard touchdown, giving Baltimore a massive explosive play and putting the Colts’ defense on its heels.
Derrick Henry Takes Over
While Jackson controlled the passing game, Derrick Henry dominated on the ground.
Henry finished with 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, including a 32-yard touchdown that helped Baltimore break the game open. His performance also moved him past Hall of Famer Marcus Allen for third place on the NFL’s all-time rushing touchdown list, giving the veteran another historic milestone.
Henry’s physical running style proved too much for Indianapolis, particularly as the Ravens continued leaning on him in the second half.
Flowers Makes Huge Impact Before Injury
Zay Flowers was another major reason Baltimore jumped out to such a commanding lead.
Flowers caught five passes for 150 yards and a touchdown, including the 54-yard score from Jackson. Unfortunately for Baltimore, Flowers suffered a hamstring injury late in the first half and did not return after halftime.
His injury will be something to watch moving forward, especially after such an explosive start to the season.
Ravens Defense Closes the Door
Indianapolis actually opened the game with a touchdown drive, but Baltimore’s defense quickly settled down.
After allowing the Colts to march 65 yards on their opening possession, the Ravens held Indianapolis to just 23 combined yards over the next four drives. Baltimore also forced two takeaways and generated consistent pressure on Daniel Jones.
The Colts eventually added some points in the second half, but the game was never seriously in doubt.
A Statement Start
The Ravens entered 2026 with a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator, creating plenty of questions about how quickly the team would adjust.
Those questions were answered emphatically on Sunday.
Jackson looked dangerous, Henry was dominant, Flowers provided an explosive spark before his injury, and the defense eventually suffocated Indianapolis.
Baltimore is 1-0, and the new-look Ravens have immediately announced themselves as a team to watch in 2026.
