Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts: Preseason Week 1 Matchup Preview

The Baltimore Ravens couldn’t ask for a more intense preseason opener after a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts ended with cornerback Nate Wiggins being ejected.

Adding to the tension, the Colts posted a highlight video on X showing quarterback Anthony Richardson slicing through the Ravens’ secondary which sparked fan debates including a post from our own Fan Feed Network asking, “Is the Ravens secondary worse?”

The Ravens are one of the best preseason teams in NFL history, especially under head coach John Harbaugh. He holds a 45-16 overall preseason record and a 15-2 mark in Week 1 games. Harbaugh is known for taking the preseason seriously, which helped Baltimore build a 23-game winning streak. Although Harbaugh has a strong preseason record, he is known for resting his veteran starters and giving backups and young players a chance to show their skills.

“Is it going to be like usual? No. Lamar, no. That’s the way it’s going to be for this game. Uh, yeah, we’ll take the next game as we go.” Harbaugh said when asked if starting quarterback Lamar Jackson will see the field. Although we likely won’t see the Ravens’ veteran starters play, this is an excellent chance for rookies Malaki Starks, Mike Green, and Teddye Buchanan to show their skills, even if it’s brief. The Ravens do play rookie standouts from time to time, so don’t be surprised if Starks and Green see the field.

For the Colts, the quarterback battle is between Richardson and Daniel Jones. Richardson is expected to start in the regular season, but a strong preseason by Jones could put pressure on him.

With emotions running high after practice fights and both teams looking to test their young players, Thursday’s game should be fun to watch. Whether it's rookies trying to earn a spot or quarterbacks competing for the job, fans will get a good look at the future of both teams.