Ravens vs. Colts staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 3 game in Baltimore?

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 3 game between the Ravens and the Colts at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Brian Wacker, reporter

Ravens 27, Colts 17: Coming off an emotional and thorough dismantling of the Bengals and with divisional road games against the Browns and Steelers on the horizon, this one has the feeling of a trap game. The Colts aren’t talented enough to win, even if they have rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is in concussion protocol, but the score will be closer than it probably should be. The Ravens have injuries all over the place, notably in the backfield with Justice Hill dealing with turf toe and in the secondary with slot corner Ar’Darius Washington on injured reserve. They also might be without wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who suffered an ankle injury against the Bengals. Still, Lamar Jackson and the defense are good enough to win.

Mike Preston, columnist

Ravens 28, Colts 10: The Colts aren’t a physical team and will probably be without starting rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is in concussion protocol. Backup Gardner Minshew is better than most think, but he is no match for the Ravens’ defense. By the end of this game, quite a few of the Ravens, especially on defense, will have put up some pretty good statistics. The Colts are in a rebuilding stage, much like the Houston Texans, whom the Ravens beat, 25-9, in Week 1.

Childs Walker, reporter

Ravens 31, Colts 20: The Ravens couldn’t feel much better after they overcame a cluster of injuries to win in Cincinnati. This could be a trap game sandwiched between important AFC North road trips. But the Colts will start either a rookie or backup at quarterback and don’t have the playmakers to keep up if the Ravens build on their strong offensive performance against the Bengals.

C.J. Doon, editor

Ravens 27, Colts 16: The Colts could provide a surprisingly stern test against the banged-up Ravens, especially if rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and his offensive line are healthy. Indianapolis’ defensive front has the potential to disrupt the Ravens’ offense, but health on both sides will be the key. This could be a close one heading into the second half, but expect Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers to wear out a secondary that was carved up by Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Tim Schwartz, editor

Ravens 34, Colts 21: The Ravens have feasted on rookie quarterbacks over the years, but it could be the scrappy Gardner Minshew under center for the Colts. It won’t matter who is starting because there is a significant talent discrepancy between these teams. Even without Justice Hill or Odell Beckham Jr., assuming he misses the game with an ankle injury we don’t know much about, Baltimore’s offense has proved it’s capable of a balanced, big-play attack. Lamar Jackson is too good and too locked in to lose to these Colts.