NFL Week 3 picks, predictions: Colts vs. Ravens
The Indianapolis Colts visit the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Week 3 action at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Colts (1-1) beat the Houston Texans in Week 2, but came away with questions about rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who suffered a concussion and left the game. His availability is uncertain, and Gardner Minshew takes over if Richardson is out.
The Ravens (2-0) have been steady and efficient in beating the Texans and Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is in his sixth season.
The Ravens are 8-point favorites, according to DraftKings. The over/under is 45 total points. ESPN's matchup predictor gives the Ravens a 77.3% chance of winning.
Doyel: Richardson should sit Sunday and this isn’t about concussions
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Ravens 30-17
The Colts could be without quarterback Anthony Richardson since he is in the concussion protocol. Gardner Minshew would start, but I don't think it will matter. The Ravens offense clicked against the Bengals, and it will do so here as well. Look for Lamar Jackson to insert his name into the early MVP talk.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Ravens 30-17
The Colts know that Anthony Richardson may miss the game with a concussion but the key to beating Baltimore is throwing downfield well. Gardner Minshew may be charged with doing that in a hostile road environment. Meanwhile, the Colts are prime to be picked apart in the Ravens' new-look passing with Lamar Jackson. The Ravens also will erase the run to make it tougher on the pocket-based Minshew.
Brett Sobleski, Bleacher Report: Colts cover the spread
Zack Moss isn't Jonathan Taylor, of course. But he helped turn a horrific running approach in Week 1 into an effective one. If Gardner Minshew is in the lineup, the veteran backup will dink and dunk his way to a few long drives and enough points to keep this within a one-score game.
Dalton Miller, Pro Football Network: Ravens cover
The Indianapolis Colts have their hands full with the Ravens offense. Jackson is passing the ball incredibly well so far in 2023. He’s still a worrying product when pressured, but he’s been an assassin when kept clean. The Ravens are the better team, and losing the dynamism of Richardson, it will be tough for the Colts to keep up.
Sheil Kapadia, The Ringer: Ravens cover
The Colts had a nice win last week, but rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is in the NFL’s concussion protocol as of this writing. If he can’t go, it’ll be backup Gardner Minshew.
We’re only two weeks in, but I have to admit I’m buying the Ravens as a Super Bowl sleeper in the AFC. They theoretically should be able to win in a bunch of different ways. I think they take care of business here.
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Ravens 27-17
The Ravens continue to benefit from some easy games in their early-season schedule, especially if the Colts don’t have Anthony Richardson.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts vs. Ravens picks, predictions for NFL Week 3
