It’s the battle for Baltimore — 2021 edition. In Week 5, the Baltimore Ravens take on the Colts, who now find themselves in Indianapolis after beginning in Maryland’s metropolis. The Colts return to Baltimore, and while a city isn’t at stake, there may be eventual AFC playoff implications at play. Here’s everything you need to know about the Colts vs. Ravens game, including NFL odds, channel options, and a prediction.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens prediction and odds | Week 5
Odds from DraftKings sportsbook.
- Spread: BAL -6.5
- Moneyline: Ravens -340, Colts +260
- Over/Under: 49
The Ravens and Colts may be at opposite ends of the AFC standings, but they’re closer than their records would imply. Both teams are 2-2 against the spread thus far in 2021. The Colts are coming off a 10-point win against the Dolphins and haven’t lost a game by more than 12 points. The Ravens, meanwhile, only have one loss, which came in overtime against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Baltimore clearly has the stronger résumé, but Indianapolis has remained somewhat competitive, even through injuries. They only lost to the Rams by 3 points in their Week 2 defeat, and a Week 3 showing against the Titans was close until the final quarter.
Still, neither teams’ offense commands a great deal of confidence right now. The Colts could be shorthanded at multiple spots, while the Ravens have dealt with injuries and suspect offensive line play. Lamar Jackson is the X-Factor here, and he’s what gives Baltimore a clear advantage.
Colts vs. Ravens prediction
Both the Colts and Ravens have been snake-bitten this year in regards to injuries. Baltimore’s preseason losses — including J.K. Dobbins and Marcus Peters — drew the most attention, but Indianapolis hasn’t been lucky, either. Quenton Nelson was recently placed on the injured reserve, and T.Y. Hilton has also been unavailable. Right tackle Braden Smith hasn’t played since Week 1, and in the secondary, Rock Ya-Sin and Khari Willis are at risk of missing another week. Xavier Rhodes has been banged up as well.
This all comes as the Ravens potentially get more reinforcements. First-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman is reportedly close to returning after suffering a groin injury in the offseason. He could hit the field for the first time this week against Indianapolis. Were he to do so, he’d be going up against a secondary that’s missing a couple of key players.
For the Ravens, the loss of Peters in the secondary was supposed to hurt. However, Anthony Averett has emerged as a budding playmaker. Meanwhile, Marlon Humphrey, Tavon Young, and Chuck Clark are playing well alongside him. They’ve had some help, of course, from a productive defensive front. Justin Houston, Odafe Oweh, Justin Madubuike, Calais Campbell, and Tyus Bowser have all wreaked havoc in recent weeks.
Ravens have the necessary edge to cover the spread
Indianapolis has enough to keep this one from getting out of hand. Baltimore’s linebackers have taken a slight step back against the run this year, and Jonathan Taylor should be healthy after playing through a minor knee injury in Week 4. Between that and Carson Wentz’s ankles improving, the Colts are unlikely to lay an egg. But against this Ravens defense, their success rate on drives might be low.
On Baltimore’s side, Lamar Jackson is playing well both as a runner and a thrower. The Colts have the front to stymie the Ravens’ running backs, but Jackson is a different entity entirely. And if Jackson has Bateman available, that’s just another weapon in his toolbox against a Colts secondary that isn’t at full strength. It won’t be a complete offensive showcase, but the Ravens have the necessary edge to at least cover the spread and get their fourth win of the season.
Prediction: Ravens 26, Colts 17
How to watch and listen to Colts vs. Ravens this week
- Start: Monday, 8:15 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Listen:
- TuneIn Radio
- Sirius XM Radio
- Live Streaming Options:
- Sling
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
- ESPN Plus
- YouTube TV
- NFL Mobile App
