Week 3 of the NFL season brings us an intriguing matchup between the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) and the Baltimore Ravens (2-0). The game kicks off on September 24, 2023, at 1:00 PM at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens are favorites with a spread of -8, but could taking the points with the Colts be the smarter move? Let’s find out.
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Indianapolis Colts
The Colts stand at 1-1 this season and have averaged 26 points per game. Their offense has been fairly balanced, but their defense could use some improvements.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are off to a strong 2-0 start, with an offense and defense both performing well. However, they’ve faced teams with noticeable weaknesses, raising questions about their true strength.
Why Take the Points with the Colts?
- Quarterback Situation: Colts backup QB Gardner Minshew played well in Week 2, completing 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards and one TD with no INTs, showing the offense can still function without their starter.
- Injury-Plagued Ravens: Baltimore’s defense is riddled with injuries, including two starting corners, two linebackers, and their free safety. This could level the playing field.
- Questionable Opponents: Ravens’ wins came against teams with significant drawbacks, making their 2-0 start possibly less impressive than it seems.
- ATS and H2H Trends: The Colts have a strong ATS record against the Ravens and have historically performed well in this matchup.
- Offensive Efficiency: Both teams have comparable offensive outputs, with each averaging 26 points per game.
- Defensive Concerns: While Baltimore’s defense looks strong on paper, injuries could make them vulnerable, potentially making the 8-point spread too wide.
