How to Watch Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts: NFL Week 1 2026

Watch Info

• Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: CBS
• Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+ (in-market), NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (out-of-market)
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Odds: Ravens -3.5, Colts +154, Over/Under 49.5

Game Preview

Baltimore opens the 2026 season on the road looking to put a disappointing 8-9 finish behind it, while Indianapolis hosts a Ravens team that oddsmakers still view as an AFC contender despite last year's stumble. The Ravens and Colts have split their history fairly evenly, with Indianapolis holding an 11-7 edge in 18 all-time meetings, including a 22-19 overtime win in their last matchup back in 2023.

This is a fresh-start game for both franchises in a real sense: Baltimore moved on from longtime head coach John Harbaugh after missing the playoffs, while Indianapolis opens a season clouded by uncertainty at quarterback. Despite traveling, Baltimore opened as a 3.5-point favorite, reflecting the uncertainty around who will start under center for the Colts.

Baltimore Ravens News & Storylines

The Ravens finished 8-9 last season, losing the finale to Pittsburgh to fall out of playoff contention — a result that led to the end of John Harbaugh's long tenure as head coach. Baltimore hired former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to lead the team, with Anthony Weaver brought in as defensive coordinator. The roster saw significant turnover this offseason, losing Keaton Mitchell, Isaiah Likely, Tyler Linderbaum, and Alohi Gilman in free agency, while adding guard John Simpson and safety Jaylinn Hawkins.

The biggest offseason storyline came on the defensive line: after a trade for Maxx Crosby fell through in March, Baltimore pivoted to acquire pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. Now in his 30s and coming off core muscle surgery, Hendrickson still posted at least 13.5 sacks in four of his last five healthy seasons and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024 — he'll be a key piece for the new-look defense from Week 1. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who completed 64% of his passes for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns in 13 games last season, remains the engine of an offense that finished 10th in scoring despite the injury-shortened campaign.

Indianapolis Colts News & Storylines

Indianapolis enters the season amid real quarterback uncertainty. Daniel Jones won the starting job over Anthony Richardson last year but tore his Achilles after 13 games, forcing Riley Leonard and 44-year-old Philip Rivers to close out the season under center. With Jones still working his way back from the injury, his availability and effectiveness for Week 1 remain question marks heading into training camp.

The Colts did snap an 11-year drought without a Week 1 victory last season, and they'll need another strong start given what follows: an opening stretch that includes the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and an international matchup against Washington in London, all within the first month of the season.

Key Matchup to Watch

Trey Hendrickson's Ravens debut against whichever Colts quarterback takes the field will be one of the most closely watched individual battles of Week 1. If Daniel Jones isn't fully ready, Indianapolis's offensive approach — and its ability to protect whoever starts — becomes the story of the game against a retooled Baltimore front.

What to Expect

With Baltimore favored on the road and Indianapolis facing genuine uncertainty at the game's most important position, this profiles as a measuring-stick opener for the Ravens' new coaching staff more than a coin-flip game. Still, home openers carry their own energy, and the Colts will be looking to spring an early upset in front of their crowd.