The Indianapolis Colts return to Baltimore for the first time since trouncing the Ravens 44-20 on Sunday Night Football in 2007.
Prior to that embarrassing defeat, the Raven died a slow death in the 2006 divisional round of the playoffs, when the Colts came to M&T Bank stadium and engineered an abrupt end to the (13-3) AFC North champions' season, despite the fact that they did not score an offensive touchdown.
So, later today, when the blue horseshoes return to the city that they once called home, the better part of Football Nation expects more of the same dominance from Peyton Manning and the Colts. And, for the most part, the Colts are the better team; but the great intangible in today's game is the fact that the Colts are coming off of a highly emotional win last Sunday night over the Patriots; and, quite frankly, they don't need the game as bad as the Ravens do.
The Ravens, with a 5-4 record and little shot to make the playoffs as anything other than a wildcard, are in desperation mode.
RAVENS OFFENSE vs. COLTS DEFENSE:
Joe Flacco should have some success against the banged-up Colts secondary; but to win this game, the Ravens will have to run the ball effectively in order to keep Indianapolis' fierce pass-rushers off balance. If the Ravens rely on play action too much, or abandon the run early, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis could have a field day. EDGE- EVEN
RAVENS DEFENSE vs. COLTS OFFENSE:
Peyton Manning has had success against the Ravens through the years. However, that was a different Ravens squad. Rex Ryan's theory of blitz, blitz, blitz did not bode well. On the other hand, it's hard to fathom what havoc Peyton Manning can cause when he is comfortable in the pocket. The bottom line is that the Ravens lack the ability to create much of a pass-rush, especially without Terrell Suggs who will miss the game with a knee sprain. The Ravens secondary has been improving as of late, but there are still glaring holes, especially with Dawan Landry on the field. EDGE- COLTS
PICK:
-The Colts have won the last six meetings.
-The line opened with the Ravens favored by 1; it currently has moved to favor the Colts by 1.5.
-Terrell Suggs will not play. Haloti Ngata and Todd Heap are questionable and are listed as game-time decisions.
The Colts, unbeaten at 9-0, don't need this game; but make no mistake, Manning and company will come to play. The Ravens are staring at the end to their playoff run if they drop their next two games. The Colts may come out a bit flat after such an emotional effort on Sunday night, while the Ravens could be looking for a fast start. This game comes down to the fact that the Ravens must find their identity; if they do so, they have a chance to hang in this game and move their season into the right direction.
RAVENS 23, COLTS 19
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