Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Matchup Preview (10/11/21): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Matchup Preview (10/11/21)

With the regular season nearly a quarter over, it feels like we know enough to analyze teams from what we’ve seen. However, as much as we think we know, everything could change in a matter of weeks. Two teams that are particularly difficult to figure out are the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. The Colts are adjusting to life with a new QB and offensive line injuries, and it’s shown this season. The team is now 1-3 and desperately in need of wins if they want to carve out a place in the AFC South race. A big win against the Miami Dolphins kept the team from a dismal 0-4 start, and Indianapolis is hoping to build on that going into the middle of the season.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens appear to have turned things around after an overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. The team followed that up with close wins against the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions and are coming off a romp of the previously undefeated Denver Broncos. The team appears to be getting into a groove, and they can be extremely dangerous. When the Colts travel to Baltimore for Monday Night Football, expect a hard-hitting matchup as both teams fight for more wins in the competitive AFC.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Betting Odds

This isn’t the easiest game to break down. The Colts know they need this win to stay afloat, and that is no easy task against a surging Ravens squad. QB Carson Wentz has an opportunity to pick on the Ravens defense in this matchup. He’ll likely be further healed from his ankle injuries and is facing a weak pass defense. 

Lamar Jackson is going to have a tough time against this Colts defense. They’re currently allowing only 330.8 yards per game, ranking eighth in the league. If they can slow down this often-electric offense, they could very well pull off the upset here. However, I’m just not seeing enough that I expect that to happen. The Colts defense may have just shut down the Dolphins, but that’s a far cry from taking down a top five offense.

Still, I’m expecting a close game. Although the team will want to run the ball heavily with Jonathan Taylor, I’m expecting a pass-heavy attack on a weakened Ravens secondary. However, I believe this game will be eerily similar to Weeks 2 and 3 for the Ravens, complete with a win coming down to the wire. John Harbaugh barely out coaches Frank Reich as the Ravens win by a field goal in this entertaining primetime game.

My predictions: Ravens win 27-24, Colts +6.5, over 45

US States with Legal Sports Gambling

TV Schedule

Date: Monday, October 11
Time: 8:15 PM ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, MD
TV Coverage: ESPN

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Live Stream

Where can you watch Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Free Online Now.

hulu free trial

Injuries

Indianapolis Colts: S Khari Willis (ankle/groin) Q, CB Rock Ya-Sin (ankle) Q, OT Braden Smith (foot/thumb) Q, DE Kwity Paye (hamstring) Q, G Quenton Nelson (ankle) IR, Qb Sam Ehlinger (knee) IR, CB TJ Carrie (undisclosed) IR
Baltimore Ravens: WR Rashod Bateman (groin) IR, OT Ronnie Staley Q, S DeShon Elliott Q, OT Alejandro Villanueva Q, WR Miles Boykin (hamstring) IR, DE Derek Wolfe (hip/back) IR

Indianapolis Colts Analysis

The Colts have a serious chance to grab a foothold in the AFC South. The Jacksonville Jaguars are a complete mess, the Houston Texans are coming off a shutout loss, and the Tennessee Titans are only 2-2 and coming off an overtime loss against the New York Jets. If they get a statement win against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, they’ll have a legitimate opportunity to climb the AFC South ranks. 

Despite dealing with injuries to himself and his offensive line, QB Carson Wentz has been putting together a decent season. He’s only tossed one interception in four games and is coming off a game against the Dolphins in which he tossed two touchdowns while completing 75% of his passes. This was all done while dealing with two sprained ankles. He doesn’t need to carry this team on his shoulders for the team to win, but he’s hoping to build off a successful performance in the team’s first win.

The Colts defense could be their key to success. Last Sunday, the team held Miami to 203 total yards, including only 35 yards on the road. Additionally, their running game came alive in Week 4, with Jonathan Taylor breaking out for 103 yards and a touchdown with a 6.4 average. With the combination of avoiding mistakes in the air, grinding out the opposing team with the run game, and a smothering defense, the Colts could very well rack up some more wins.

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart

QB: Carson Wentz
RB1: Jonathan Taylor
RB2: Nyheim Hines
WR1: Parris Campbell
WR2: Zach Pascal
WR3: Michael Pittman Jr.
TE1: Jack Doyle

Baltimore Ravens Analysis

The Baltimore Ravens played things close to the chest in their first three weeks, and could’ve easily been either 0-3 or 3-0. However, the team had a dominant win over the Denver Broncos in Week 4, showing they’ll be competitors all season. The team had some serious injuries to their running backs and secondary heading into the year, but it looks like they’ve made enough adjustments to win. 

QB Lamar Jackson is the heart of this offense. The dual-threat quarterback is not just coming off his third 300-yard passing game of his career, he’s leading the team in rushing with 279 yards. Jackson is forming a strong connection with WR Marquise Brown, who already has 326 yards and three TDs on the year. When Jackson’s on his game, watch out. The team’s offense is gaining 420 yards per game, ranking fourth in the league. 

The Ravens defense is a little uneven at the moment. The team is strong against the run, only allowing 85.8 yards per game. However, the season-ending injury to CB Marcus Peters is still weighing on the team, as they’re allowing 273 yards through the air this year. If they’re going to keep up in a conference with talented passers like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr, they’ll need to lock the air attack down. 

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart

QB: Lamar Jackson
RB1: Latvius Murray
RB2: Tyson Williams
WR1: Sammy Watkins
WR2: Marquise Brown
WR3: Rashod Bateman
TE1: Mark Andrews

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Daily Fantasy Picks

He might not be a household name, but consider a budget move by drafting Colts tight end Mo Allie-Cox. The tight end already has two touchdowns on the year while starter Jack Doyle has been scoreless. I expect the Colts to pass heavily in this game, and Cox should get some red zone looks. He’s listed at $2,900 on DraftKings, so he’s a good option if you spent too much on your other starters. 

Week 5 Matchup Previews
  • Bills @ Rams
  • Saints @ Falcons
  • Browns @ Panthers
  • 49ers @ Bears
  • Steelers @ Bengals
  • Eagles @ Lions
  • Colts @ Texans
  • Patriots @ Dolphins
  • Ravens @ Jets
  • Jaguars @ Commanders
  • Giants @ Titans
  • Chiefs @ Cardinals
  • Raiders @ Chargers
  • Packers @ Vikings
  • Buccaneers @ Cowboys
  • Broncos @ Seahawks
Anthony Elio is a professional writer based in Denver, CO. While he’s written about everything from video games to couponing in the past, he’s set his sights on sports betting. He also plays drums in the Denver rock band Television Generation.

Hot NFL Matchup Previews Stories