As the NFL season kicks off on September 12, 2026, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a familiar underdog role, hosting the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium in a Week 1 showdown that has the football world buzzing. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the national media consensus is resoundingly in favor of the Ravens, with 35 of 40 surveyed analysts predicting a Baltimore victory. Yet, despite the lopsided picks, a staggering 19 of 20 experts who provided score predictions foresee a one-score game, suggesting the Colts are far from a pushover. The lone outlier? NFL Network’s Tom Grossi, who projects a 27-17 Ravens win—the only two-score margin among the bunch.
The Expert Breakdown: A Near-Unanimous Verdict
ESPN’s panel—including Mike Clay, Benjamin Solak, Seth Wickersham, Jason Reid, Dan Graziano, Jeremy Fowler, Matt Bowen, Eric Moody, Pamela Maldonado, Kalyn Kahler, and Lindsey Thiry—all sided with Baltimore. NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks, Colleen Wolfe, Nick Shook, Grant Gordon, Kevin Patra, Lance Zierlein, Tom Grossi, and Brandon Perna echoed that sentiment, as did NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman, Brooke Cersosimo, Bobby Kownack, and Dan Parr. CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, Jared Dublin, Ryan Wilson, John Breech, Tyler Sullivan, and Jamey Eisenberg also picked the Ravens, while Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Eva Geitheim, Mitch Goldich, Mike Kadlick, Conor Orr, John Pluym, and Matt Verderame rounded out the chorus. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio was the sole national voice outside of Indianapolis to back the Colts, joined by IndyStar’s Joel Erickson and Nathan Brown, plus NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice, CBS Sports’ Dave Richard, and Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano.
Why the Colts Are Being Overlooked
On paper, the Ravens boast a roster laden with Pro Bowl talent, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and a defense that consistently ranks among the league’s elite. Baltimore’s offensive firepower, coupled with a proven coaching staff, makes them a popular Super Bowl pick. Meanwhile, the Colts enter the season with questions at quarterback, where Daniel Jones—acquired in the offseason—looks to revitalize his career. Jones, the former New York Giants signal-caller, showed flashes in the preseason but faces a daunting task against a Ravens defense that thrives on pressure. As highlighted on Vulius, the Colts’ offensive line and skill-position players, such as running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., must elevate their game to keep pace.
The Case for an Upset
History favors the underdog in Week 1, where unpredictability reigns. The Colts enjoy home-field advantage, and a raucous Lucas Oil Stadium crowd could rattle Baltimore’s rhythm. Moreover, the one-score consensus among experts underscores that Indianapolis is expected to compete fiercely. If Jones can protect the football and the defense—led by standout lineman DeForest Buckner—can generate pressure on Jackson, the Colts have a legitimate shot. As one league insider told Vulius, “The Ravens are the better team on paper, but Week 1 is a coin flip. The Colts have enough talent to steal this one.”
What to Watch For
- Daniel Jones’ decision-making: Can he avoid turnovers against a ball-hawking secondary?
- Jonathan Taylor’s workload: The star running back must find running room against Baltimore’s stout front seven.
- Ravens’ offensive line: Protecting Lamar Jackson from Buckner and company is paramount.
- Coaching chess match: Shane Steichen vs. John Harbaugh—who wins the situational battles?
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the Colts remain undeterred by the doubters. “We don’t pay attention to predictions,” a team source told Vulius. “We just go out and play our game.” For die-hard fans, the hope is that Indianapolis can defy the odds and start the season with a statement win. Tune in Sunday to see if the Colts can silence the experts and ignite a surprising 2026 campaign.
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