Here’s how the Colts can start 1-0

1-0 is a great sight for NFL fans. It is the validation that your hopes and dreams might be well placed. It also starts a team on the right track statistically to make the postseason and avoids the dreaded 0-2 hole to start the season. It isn't a panacea, as things can go sideways, but it feels pretty good. Here is how the Indianapolis Colts can get it done.

The Ravens are a good team, so it won't be an easy task. The Colts have some advantages, however. The home crowd will be back and ready. It hasn't always translated into Week One wins, but the confines of Lucas Oil are much more advantageous than a road opener. The Colts are also trending towards good health. Daniel Jones is back, and Alec Pierce should be ready as well. The bumps and bruises of camp are also healing for Tyler Warren and Josh Downs . Jonathan Taylor is the bell cow, and the Ravens will have their hands full trying to contain him. If the Colts can establish the run game early, Taylor may prove to be too much for the Ravens late.

A lot of Sunday's success will come down to how well the defense contains Lamar Jackson . Jackson is electric. If they can keep him in the pocket, though, that electricity falls a few wattages. Speaking of a bell cow, Derrick Henry is in the backfield for the Ravens. Stopping the dual threat of he and Jackson will be tough, but it's also the key to victory. The defense has some question marks. Veterans have returned to form, but the effectiveness of the line remains in the air. Young linebackers will be tested as well. If those units rise to the occasion, they can keep the Colts' offense in position to win.

Looking back at Week Ones for the Colts is troubling, so let's not look back too far. How about one year? The Colts got off to a hot start by using the momentum of a win to start the season. The offense needs to find the footing that was lost in the back half of 2025, and the Colts need to control the line of scrimmage on defense. Do those things and the Colts will start 2026 with that coveted 1-0.