5 Things to keep an eye on for the Colts/Ravens game:

1.) Stopping the run: Baltimore wants to run, run and then run some more. Can the undersized, yet speedy and physical Colts defense limit the damage and actually make a banged-up Joe Flacco throw the ball? If they do that, the Colts will roll.

2.) Who scores first: The Ravens are a team that is designed to run the clock down and play with a lead. They let their defense be their best offense. If they score first, they will have the Colts right where they want them in terms of game planning. Again, IF the Colts score first (or often) they will force Baltimore to throw more which is not their strongest attribute.

3.) Rest/Rust: The million dollar question some fans were wondering after the starters were pulled in week 16 vs the NYJ. Will the Colts timing be off due to being basically inactive for 3 weeks OR will they look refreshed, healthy and ready to roll. If the Colts lose, they run the risk of losing a LOT of fans who will be saying “I told you so!”

4.) Colts Running Game: It has never been a real strong part of the Colts offensive attack, but to win in the playoffs the Colts will need to run. Joseph Addai has played well at times this season and rookie Donald Brown will be exposed to playoff football for the first time. The Ravens pride themselves on shutting down the run, so if the Colts get ANYTHING from Addai and/or Brown, consider that a bonus!

5.) Coaching edge: Jon Harbaugh of the Ravens in only his second season has done amazing things in Baltimore. He took them to the AFC Title game a year ago and has won big games on the road in the postseason before. On the other hand, Jim Caldwell is out of Tony Dungy’s shadow and is at the controls for the first time. Advantage: Baltimore.

Final Score: While Baltimore offers may challenges (especially with their physical defense and running game) I don’t think the Ravens will run on a speedy Indy defense they way they did against New England. I think Joe Flacco will have to make some plays and I am not sure he can do that with his injured quad and average receivers. I think the Colts start slow and finish strong for a win at home. I can’t see the Ravens beating Brady and Manning BOTH on the road in back-to-back weeks.

Colts 27  Ravens: 23.

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