Colts Wire’s Paul Bretl breaks down Sunday’s matchup, Indianapolis’ biggest concern and a surprising final score prediction against the Ravens in Week 1
The Baltimore Ravens will open the Jesse Minter era Sunday against an Indianapolis Colts team with playoff aspirations and an offense that was among the NFL’s most productive units before Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury in 2025.
Jones is back under center, Jonathan Taylor remains the foundation of Indianapolis’ offense, and the Colts strengthened their receiving corps by adding Keenan Allen. Their defense also features several potential game-changers, including Sauce Gardner, DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu. Before Sunday’s matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium, we spoke with Colts Wire lead writer Paul Bretl about Jones’ return, Taylor’s impact, and whether Indianapolis can contain Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Bretl also identified the Colts’ biggest concern and offered his final score prediction.
1. RW: The Colts are beginning another season with Daniel Jones at quarterback. How has he progressed in Jim Bob Cooter’s offense, and what must he do to succeed against Jesse Minter’s Ravens defense?
CW: When healthy, Jones thrived in Shane Steichen’s offense last season. Through 10 games, he was one of the NFL’s most productive quarterbacks, while the Colts operated one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses.
Jones’ ability to play within the timing and rhythm of the offense, combined with Steichen’s game planning and play calling, helped unlock what this unit can become. Indianapolis also found considerable success against Minter and the Los Angeles Chargers last season. Maintaining balance between the running and passing games was an important part of that performance and will be critical again Sunday.
2. RW: Jonathan Taylor remains the centerpiece of Indianapolis’ offense. How do you expect the Colts to deploy him against Baltimore’s rebuilt defensive front, and where could he create the most problems?
CW: Taylor sets the table for everything else Indianapolis wants to accomplish offensively. His big-play ability is always present, but his consistent production is just as important.
When Taylor keeps the Colts ahead of the chains, Steichen has access to his entire playbook and Jones benefits from more favorable passing situations. Indianapolis will continue leaning heavily on Taylor, particularly against a Ravens defense operating under a new coaching staff. He is especially dangerous when he reaches open space, where one missed tackle can become an explosive play.
3. RW: What should Ravens fans expect from an Indianapolis receiving corps featuring Alec Pierce, Keenan Allen, Josh Downs and Tyler Warren? Which matchup could be the most favorable for the Colts?
CW: Pierce is expected to play, but his workload remains uncertain as he returns from offseason ankle surgery.
Indianapolis’ passing game features a wide variety of skill sets. The Colts can attack different areas of the field and do so from multiple formations, expanding Steichen’s call sheet and making the offense more difficult to predict.
Warren could provide the most favorable matchup. His ability to align in multiple spots and handle several responsibilities has made him a difficult assignment for opposing defenses. Baltimore must determine whether to defend him with a linebacker, safety or another defensive back without creating favorable opportunities elsewhere.
4. RW: Baltimore will start Jovaughn Gwyn at center and rookie Vega Ioane at right guard. Can DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and the Colts’ defensive front exploit that inexperience while still containing Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry?
CW: We will find out Sunday. Buckner and Latu have demonstrated that they can pressure quarterbacks, while Stewart remains an effective run defender.
The concern is Indianapolis’ depth, particularly at defensive end. Whether the players surrounding Latu can consistently generate pressure was one of the Colts’ biggest offseason questions, and it remains unresolved entering Week 1.
Indianapolis also has a relatively inexperienced linebacker group that will be tested by Henry and Baltimore’s rushing attack. Those linebackers must remain disciplined when Jackson leaves the pocket because overcommitting to either runner could create significant openings.
5. RW: What is the biggest concern for Indianapolis entering Sunday’s game, and what is your final score prediction for Ravens-Colts?
CW: The pass rush is the biggest concern. I am not sure whether Indianapolis can create consistent pressure. Even if the Colts generate pressure, they still must keep Jackson in the pocket long enough to turn those opportunities into sacks.
I expect a high-scoring game. Perhaps I am placing too much emphasis on what Indianapolis accomplished in 2025, but the Colts’ offense was red-hot when Jones was healthy.
I will give Steichen and Jones the benefit of the doubt entering Week 1 and take Indianapolis to win 34-31.
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