Ravens open as 3.5-point favorites vs. Colts in Week 1

The Baltimore Ravens are already opening the 2026 season with respect from oddsmakers. Baltimore has opened as a 3.5-point road favorite against the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the Week 1 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 13. The game marks the beginning of another season carrying major expectations for the Ravens, who once again enter the year viewed as one of the AFC's top contenders behind Lamar Jackson and a roster loaded with playoff-caliber talent.

For Indianapolis, the opener represents the beginning of a critical season.

The Colts snapped an 11-year drought without a Week 1 victory last season and now hope to build momentum early despite an extremely difficult opening stretch that includes games against Baltimore, the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and an international matchup against the Washington Commanders in London during the first month of the season.

Much of the attention surrounding Indianapolis centers on quarterback Daniel Jones, who is attempting to return from a ruptured Achilles injury. The Colts hope Jones will be fully participating by training camp, but projecting his early-season effectiveness remains difficult until he returns to live action consistently.

That uncertainty likely contributed to Baltimore opening as the favorite despite traveling in Week 1.

The Ravens also possess advantages in continuity and offensive firepower entering the matchup. Baltimore's offense remains one of the NFL's most explosive units under first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, while the defense continues evolving under new head coach Jesse Minter and DC Anthony Weaver.