As preseason action kicks off, all eyes turn to the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts as they square off in Week 1. With both teams undergoing notable offseason shakeups, this matchup isn’t just about evaluating depth; it’s about setting the tone for 2025.
The Ravens are looking to build on a dominant 12-5 season and Super Bowl aspirations, while the Colts aim to rebound from an underwhelming 8-9 campaign.
Here’s a look at the key players poised to impact this Thursday night showdown.
Lamar Jackson and the Evolution of the Ravens’ Air Attack
Lamar Jackson enters the 2025 preseason coming off a record-shattering campaign. He threw for 4,000 yards and rushed for more than 800, becoming the first quarterback in league history to accomplish that feat. His mobility remains elite, but it’s the growth as a passer under coordinator Todd Monken that has transformed Baltimore’s offense into a juggernaut.
With expectations soaring and Baltimore Ravens odds rising among sportsbooks, Thursday’s matchup will give fans a glimpse of Jackson’s developing connection with DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins joined the Ravens after a disappointing stint in Kansas City but brings veteran savvy and elite route-running. While Jackson may only play a few drives, his chemistry with Hopkins and how the Colts defend against that could hint at how dangerous this unit will be.
DeAndre Hopkins: Baltimore’s X-Factor
Hopkins isn’t here for development; he’s here to win. The Ravens’ wide receiver corps already featured Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. But Hopkins’s presence changes the dynamic entirely.
He’ll line up against a Colts secondary adjusting to new assets, including free-agent addition Charvarius Ward.
If Hopkins flashes early chemistry with Jackson, even in limited reps, it will force defenses to rethink how they approach Baltimore. His route precision and contested catch ability may prove to be a mismatch for Indy’s cornerbacks.
Malaki Starks and the Reinforced Ravens Secondary
For years, injuries plagued Baltimore’s defensive backfield. This offseason, the front office made sure that depth would no longer be an issue.
Their top draft pick, safety Malaki Starks out of Georgia, headlines a renewed commitment to pass defense. He joins Kyle Hamilton to form what could be the most dynamic safety tandem in the league.
Starks is expected to see a fair number of reps as the coaching staff gauges his transition to NFL speed. Expect him to be involved in deep coverage and some blitz packages. The Ravens also bolstered their corners with the additions of Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, giving the unit both star power and stability.
As bettors and analysts look ahead to upcoming NFL games and props, Baltimore’s secondary will have every opportunity to make early statements against a Colts offense with lingering quarterback questions.
Derrick Henry vs. Colts Defensive Front
Derrick Henry’s 2024 season was a masterclass in physicality and endurance. Rushing for 1,167 yards and 16 total touchdowns at 31 years old, he continues to defy the usual decline curve for running backs. While the Ravens are unlikely to overwork him in the preseason, expect a few early carries to test the Colts’ front.
The Colts, who finished 24th in total defense last season, are hoping for a turnaround under new coordinator Lou Anarumo. However, the defensive line remains largely unchanged. Rookie DT Tim Smith might get early reps, and second-year edge rusher Laiatu Latu is under pressure to elevate his pass-rushing production after just four sacks as a rookie.
Even in limited action, Henry’s touches will gauge whether Indy’s front can handle power backs or whether they’ll get steamrolled once again.
Colts’ Quarterback Battle: Richardson vs. Jones
No position will be more scrutinized on Thursday than the Colts’ quarterback spot. Anthony Richardson returns with the edge in experience, but his injury history and uneven performances leave the door open for Daniel Jones. Jones, brought in after his release from New York, is eager to reclaim a starting job.
Both are expected to see the field in Week 1, and how each handles Baltimore’s defensive pressure will be telling. Richardson’s athleticism versus Jones’ composure could define the pecking order. The Ravens’ revamped secondary and pass rush should create uncomfortable pockets, exactly the proving ground Indy needs.
JT Tuimoloau and the Colts’ Pass Rush Rebuild
The Colts’ 2024 pass rush was anemic, ranking 25th in sacks. To fix that, they drafted JT Tuimoloau in the second round. The edge rusher from Ohio State brings explosiveness and a powerful first step. Tuimoloau should see ample reps against the Ravens’ second-team offensive line, which includes rookies like Carson Vinson.
Tuimoloau needs to show he can win individual matchups and collapse the pocket. With Todd Monken’s offense built on timing and rhythm, even preseason snaps can reveal whether Indy’s investment in the pass rush is paying off.
If Tuimoloau flashes potential, he may force the coaching staff to reshuffle the starting rotation.
Colts Tight End Tyler Warren: A Rookie to Watch
First-round pick Tyler Warren is a big-bodied tight end out of Penn State, and his skill set suggests he’ll be a factor early. While the Colts’ quarterback situation remains uncertain, Warren’s reliability as a check-down option makes him a critical weapon, especially against a defense that will likely send pressure.
Warren will likely see work with both quarterbacks and could be a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties, even Baltimore’s. If he shows strong route-running and hands in the red zone, he could lock in a starting spot sooner than expected.
Offensive Line Turbulence in Indianapolis
The Colts’ offensive line is in flux. Losing Will Fries and Ryan Kelly left major holes, and no significant veteran additions were made.
The only drafted lineman, Jalen Travis, will need time to develop. While Braden Smith’s return provides stability, preseason reps will be critical for sorting out chemistry and assignments.
Facing Baltimore’s aggressive front, especially edge rushers like Mike Green, their second-round rookie, will offer a quick stress test. If the Colts’ line can’t hold up, neither quarterback will get enough clean snaps to stand out.
Why This Matchup Matters
Preseason results don’t carry over to the regular season, but performances do. For the Ravens, this game is a checkpoint for testing how well their offensive weapons are syncing and how deep their defense really is.
For the Colts, it’s a gut check. Can they protect their quarterbacks? Can the pass rush breathe life into a struggling defense?
Both teams have questions to answer, and this game offers the first glimpse at how ready they are to chase their 2025 goals.
*The information presented in this article is accurate as of 2025/08/04 and is subject to change.
