The Baltimore Ravens will begin the 2026 NFL season on the road Sunday when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with the Colts hosting Baltimore in their fourth consecutive season opener at home. Indianapolis leads the all-time regular-season series 9-6, but the Ravens enter this matchup as one of the AFC’s biggest contenders.
For Baltimore, the game also marks the beginning of a new era. Jesse Minter takes over as head coach, replacing John Harbaugh after a long run in Baltimore. Minter inherits a roster built to compete immediately, led by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry.
Lamar Jackson Leads Ravens’ Offense
Jackson remains the centerpiece of everything Baltimore wants to do offensively.
The Ravens will look to use his dual-threat ability alongside Henry’s physical running style to put pressure on Indianapolis from the opening whistle. Baltimore’s new offense under coordinator Declan Doyle will be one of the biggest things to watch as the Ravens begin the season.
The Ravens will also need their revamped offensive line to perform well. Jovaughn Gwyn has won the starting center job for Week 1, giving him a difficult assignment against Indianapolis’ interior defensive line.
Colts Hope Daniel Jones Can Rebound
Indianapolis enters the season with something to prove after a disappointing collapse last year.
The Colts started 2025 with an impressive 8-2 record before losing seven straight games to finish 8-9 and miss the playoffs. Quarterback Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury played a major role in the team’s collapse, but he returns healthy for the start of the 2026 season.
Jones will have Jonathan Taylor behind him, giving Indianapolis one of the NFL’s most dangerous rushing threats. The Colts will likely need Taylor to have a major game against Baltimore’s defense.
Alec Pierce is also expected to return after recovering from ankle surgery. The receiver had a breakout 2025 season with 1,003 yards and six touchdowns.
Key Matchup
The biggest matchup could be the Colts’ rushing attack against Baltimore’s defense.
Indianapolis will want to establish Taylor early, but Baltimore has the defensive talent to make that extremely difficult. On the other side, the Colts have to find a way to contain both Jackson and Henry.
If Baltimore can force Jones into obvious passing situations, the Ravens could control the game.
The Colts have home field advantage and enough offensive talent to make this a competitive game, but Baltimore enters with more proven star power.
Jackson and Henry could prove too difficult for Indianapolis to handle over four quarters.
The Colts should have their opportunities, but expect Baltimore to begin the Jesse Minter era with a statement victory on the road.
