NFL Week 9: Ravens vs. Colts odds, preview and pick
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17). (Photo by MSA/Icon Sportswire)
November 6th, 2020
The Indianapolis Colts will look to upend the Baltimore Ravens’ nine-game road win streak when Lamar Jackson and company visit Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 9.
Baltimore’s current streak dates back to October 2019, when it beat Pittsburgh in overtime at Heinz Field in Week 6. From there, the Ravens not only turned unbeatable on the road, but they won their final 12 regular-season games.
That Baltimore team is a shell of itself in 2020. On Sunday, the Ravens stumbled to 5-2 with a loss to the Steelers, who gained a comfortable lead in the AFC North, as a result.
Turnovers a major issue for Baltimore
In a 28-24 home defeat, Jackson played one of his worst games in recent memory, as he lost two fumbles and tossed two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown on the opening drive.
Those mistakes proved costly for a Ravens team that out-gained the Steelers by 236 yards and put up 265 yards on the ground, compared to Pittsburgh’s 48.
Steelers 28 Ravens 24
— Tim Murray (@1TimMurray) November 1, 2020
Total yards: Steelers 221 Ravens 457
Turnovers: Steelers 1 Ravens 4
If Jackson had issues with turnovers last week, he could be in for more trouble against Indianapolis. The Colts rank first in the league in interceptions (11), and are tied for fifth in turnover differential (+5).
The 2019 MVP may also be forced to pass more on Sunday if the Colts' second-ranked run defense can stop the Ravens' top-ranked rushing attack. Last week, Indy held Detroit to just 29 yards on the ground and an average of 2.2 yards per carry.
Ravens vs. Colts statistics and rankings
| Team | Passing yards | Rushing yards | Passing yards allowed | Rushing yards allowed |
|---|
Baltimore Ravens | 179.9 (31st) | 178.7 (1st) | 222.6 (10th) | 100.3 (7th) |
Indianapolis Colts | 262.6 (11th) | 101.0 (25th) | 213.6 (5th) | 79.9 (2nd) |
The Colts may face similar issues on offense when they go up against the Ravens' stalwart defense.
The unit averages 3.4 sacks and forces nearly three fumbles per game. It also held Ben Roethlisberger to just 173 yards passing and an average of 5.7 yards per pass in last week's loss.
Unfortunately for Baltimore, the unit won't be coming in at full strength after a handful of players went down with injury or came down with COVID-19.
Ravens vs. Colts injury report
On Monday, cornerback Marlon Humphrey revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19 and is unavailable for Sunday's matchup. The news of his diagnosis forced seven defensive players to miss practice this week because of possible exposure. Among those affected were safety DeShon Elliott and linebackers Matthew Judon and Patrick Queen.
Ravens could be very thin at cornerback.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 6, 2020
Jimmy Smith (back) was added to injury report after not practicing Friday. He’s questionable.
Baltimore is already without Marlon Humphrey (Reserve/COVID list) and three other corners who are on IR.
In addition to the potential losses on defense, the Ravens suffered a major blow in last Sunday's loss, when left tackle Ronnie Stanley went down with a season-ending ankle injury. Just last week, the All-Pro offensive lineman signed a five-year, $99 million contract extension.
On Thursday, running back Mark Ingram (ankle), receiver Chris Moore (thigh), and lineman Brandon Williams (non-injury related) also missed practice.
Colts players sidelined from practice on Thursday included receivers Ashton Dulin (knee), T.Y. Hilton (groin), and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (knee).
#Colts best WR questionable for a crucial AFC game with a knee injury, TY Hilton also doubtful for the game with a groin injury.
— Alec Rohr (@ARRohr) November 6, 2020
That's your #ForTheShoe injury report. https://t.co/zDAnYak3Zn
Defensive tackle Sheldon Day, lineman Tyquan Lewis, guard Quenton Nelson, and receiver Michael Pittman Jr. were non-participants yesterday, as well, after they were deemed close contacts of a team staffer who tested positive for COVID-19.
Baltimore vs. Indianapolis betting trends
The Ravens enter as 1.5-point road favorites and are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight away games.
However, they are 0-7 ATS in their last seven following a straight-up loss and 1-10 ATS in their last 11 matchups with the Colts.
The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last eight games in this series, while the Under is 11-1 in the last 12, and 5-0 in the last five in Indianapolis.
In a battle of two top 10 defenses, scoring will come at a premium. The difference will be the Ravens' dynamic rushing attack, which will do just enough to break through Indy's ferocious defense and pull out a close win.
Score prediction: Baltimore 24, Indianapolis 21.
NFL pick: Ravens -1.5, Under 48.5
Wager on Week 9 of the 2020 NFL season at BetAmerica
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