The Baltimore Ravens start the 2026 season on the road on Sunday as they get set to take on Indianapolis. Sunday not only kicks off the the regular season for the Ravens, but it also marks the first game for new head coach Jesse Minter, marking the first time since 2008 that the Ravens will have someone other than John Harbaugh on the sideline commanding the Ravens.
For the Ravens they will look to open up the 2026 season making a statement as they look to return to the playoffs after missing out in the last week of the season in 2025. The Ravens will also roll out a new look offense as new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle looks to unlock another level to quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, and wide receiver Zay Flowers.
The Ravens will be without defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who has been ruled out for Sunday’s game as he continues to work his way back from the neck injury that ended his 2025 season. Linebacker Teddye Buchanan has also been ruled out as he also continues to work back from a torn ACL suffered in 2025. Wide receiver Devontez Walker is the only Raven listed as questionable as he was listed as limited all week with a groin.
Indianapolis enters the game relatively healthy, with linebacker Austin Ajiake the only player listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Indianapolis wide receiver Alec Pierce, who has no injury designation for Sunday, is expected to make his return after undergoing ankle surgery in March. Pierce is coming off the best season of his career, finishing 2025 with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns.
Players to Watch:
Trey Hendrickson
There may not be a player on the Ravens roster with more pressure on him to make an immediate impact than Trey Hendrickson. The Ravens have been searching for a consistent elite edge rusher, and they believe they found exactly that when they signed Hendrickson this offseason to a four-year $112 million dollar deal.
Hendrickson joins the Ravens after spending the last five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. In those five season Hendrickson was named to the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons, and earned first-team All Pro Honors in 2024. Hendrickson along with Jesse Minters new look defense will look to help the Ravens return to form as the Ravens struggled the previous two seasons under defensive coordinator Zach Orr.
Tyler Warren
For Indianapolis, all eyes should be on second-year tight end Tyler Warren. Warren had an impressive rookie season, leading Indianapolis in targets with 112 while finishing with 817 receiving yards on 76 receptions to go along with four touchdowns.
Warren’s size and versatility will make him a tough guard for the Ravens defense as Warren as the ability to line up on the line or out wide. It will be a test for Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton who will likely be tasked with guarding Warren most of the day due to Hamilton’s own size and agility.
With Daniel Jones making his return after tearing his achilles last season, expect Warren to be an early and often target for Jones. In 13 games prior to Jones’ injury he targeted Warren 76 times, with Warren bringing in 60 receptions for 699 yards and four touchdowns.
Prediction
The Ravens enter this game with plenty of questions, but they also have arguably the more talented roster. The Ravens still have quarterback Lamar Jackson alongside running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver Zay Flowers and an offense that should be capable of putting points on the board consistently. The two biggest question is whether this new look defense can make enough plays to complement the offense, and if the center position with Jovaugh Gwyn making his first career NFL start, can holdup against a fairly stout Indianapolis defensive line.
Indianapolis will have its opportunities though, as running back Jonathan Taylor can make the Ravens pay if they are unable to stay disciplined against the run, while Warren presents a difficult matchup for Baltimore’s defense. But ultimately, I think Baltimore’s overall talent on both sides of the ball will be too much for Indianapolis to fully overcome.
I expect the Ravens offense to control the game for stretches, while the Ravens defense makes things difficult for Daniel Jones, forcing two turnovers. While also doing a solid job of getting off the field on third downs. The Jesse Minter era opens with a road victory as the Ravens win 31-17 and start 2026 1-0.
Line: Baltimore -3.5
Over/Under: 47.5
All-Time Record: Indianapolis leads series 9-6
Last Meeting: 9/24/23 Indianapolis 22-19 (OT)
