The Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens meet Sunday in NFL action from M&T Bank Stadium. The Colts last played the Texans in their second game of the season. In that matchup Indianapolis moved to 1-1 overall with an 11-point win. As for Baltimore, they’re coming off a matchup versus the Bengals. The Ravens went on to win by three for their second victory of the year. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Indianapolis Colts 

The Colts had quite the back-and-forth matchup versus the rival Jaguars in their opener game this year—initially at least. Indianapolis led 21-17 going into the fourth quarter but ultimately lost 31-21. Colts QB Anthony Richardson put up 223 yards with a TD and a pick, while Michael Pittman led the receivers on 97 yards and a score off eight grabs. 

In game two versus the Texans, Indianapolis jumped out to a 28-10 lead by halftime. The Colts were outscored 10-3 in the second but held on for the win 31-20. Gardner Minshew threw for 171 yards and a score, while Zack Moss had 88 rush yards with a TD. Anthony Richardson scored twice on the ground as well. 

Indianapolis Colts Team Facts

The home team has won each of the Colts’ last seven Week 3 games.
The Colts have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against AFC North opponents.
The Colts have lost the first half in 14 of their last 16 games against AFC opponents.
The Colts have scored the first touchdown in seven of their last eight games as underdogs against AFC North opponents.
The Colts have won the first quarter in each of their last five games as road underdogs.

Baltimore Ravens

Over on the Ravens’ side, they held a slim one-point lead on the Texans at halftime during their opener this year. Baltimore outscored Houston 18-3 the rest of the way and took a 25-9 win, though. Lamar Jackson posted 169 passing yards, a TD and 38 rush yards. Zay Flowers was the leading receiver with nine grabs for 78 yards. 

Matched up against the Bengals on Sunday, Baltimore was up 20-17 going into the final quarter. After a TD on both sides in the final frame the Ravens emerged with a 27-24 win. Lamar Jackson bagged 237 yards with two touchdowns, while Nelson Agholor had 63 yards and a score off five catches. Gus Edwards was tops in rushing with 62 yards and a TD. 

Baltimore Ravens Team Facts

The Ravens have lost each of their last two games as favorites following a win.
The Ravens have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight Sunday games played on the East Coast.
The Ravens have lost the first quarter in each of their last five Week 3 games as home favorites against AFC opponents.
The Ravens have won the first half in each of their last six games in September.
The Ravens have scored the first touchdown in 12 of their last 13 home games.

Matchup/League Facts

The Ravens ranked 1st in the AFC North for points allowed per game last season (18.5)
The Ravens ranked 1st in the AFC North for total yards allowed per game last season (324.3)
The Colts ranked 1st in the NFL in average kickoff return (27.8 yards) last season
The Colts ranked 32nd in the NFL in turnover differential (-13) last season

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stick with the Ravens here. Baltimore had a pretty nice all-around game last weekend despite winning by just three points. The Ravens finished with 415 total yards (237 passing), 5.9 yards per play, 26 first downs, zero turnovers and 33:04 in time of possession. Defensively Baltimore gave up just 282 yards (216 passing) but also surrendered a 10-of-15 rate on third-down tries. As for the Colts, they started out hot and cruised the rest of the way versus an outmatched opponent. Week three and another road game won’t be so easy for Indianapolis. I like the Colts to hang around for most of the game but this should be Baltimore’s cover if they play well.