Even though the Ravens played in Indianapolis last week the 2026 season really doesn’t start until the home opener and that is this week. All of the hype, all of the speculation will play out on the field at M&T. We will see with our very own eyes what this team looks like. This year we have more than just renewed hope of a Super Bowl win, we have a new coaching staff- head coach Jessy Minter, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver- all young coaches bringing a new philosophy and energy to the Ravens playbook. The 2026 season will truly start when the Ravens run out of the tunnel to the roar of Baltimore fans and the “O” during the National Anthem. Nothing like the excitement of the home opener, we have waited through a cold snowy winter and a hot summer to get to this point and I think this season is going to be worth the wait.
Last week the offense was a thing of beauty. We saw it all! Lamar squeeze out of a sure sack and run for a first down on 3rd and 16. Zay was spectacular with 150 yards in the first half only to be stopped by a hamstring that has been nagging him through out training camp (not a good thing). Derrick just doing what he does best running over the Colts defense at will to pile up 144 yards and scoreing three touchdowns. Even the offensive play calling and formations mixed it up with Zay lined up in the backfield, Derrick catching a pass, and with the Ravens first play from scrimmage a designed Lamar rollout to his left side something he almost never does to connect with a wide open Zay Flowers. Even with nine offensive penalties (this needs to be cleaned up) they did not slow down the offense.
I must admit I was a little worried to see the Colts march down the field to score a touchdown to start the game. The Ravens defense had trouble stopping the run and allowed a modest 23 point against a highly rated Colts offense. I was hoping for more pressure on QB Daniel Jones. We ended up with only 2 sacks. Giving up 23 is not bad as long as your offense scores 41.
Special teams played a big part in this game. Tyler Loop hit a 57 yard field goal that would have been good from 65 to closeout the first half. The kickoff returns regularly gave the Ravens good starting field position. And the rookie punter looks like he may be the real deal. Side note after Loop’s strong performance last week the Ravens cut Jake Moody the kicker who was on the practice squad.
How about the O-line! As a unit they played very well. No exchange problems between Lamar and the new center Jovaugh Gwyn. Lamar was only sacked twice and fumbled once but, for the most part he had time to throw the ball down field and he did it often. I have come up with new drinking game it’s called the Vega pancake game. The rookie right guard Vega Loane had at least three or four blocks that pancaked the defender he was blocking and once it was way down field. So, every time Vega pancakes a defender take a drink of what ever frosty beverage you prefer.
We get to see the 2026 Ravens live at M&T this week against the Saints who lost to the Lions by one point. It’s difficult to assess a team with only a sample size of one game. But, of course, after one game we know the Ravens will win the Super Bowl this year. On the other hand the we really don’t know what we are getting with the Saints, they were very good and very bad. The Lions QB would be sacked two plays in a row and then throw a 20 yard pass for a first down. Last week the Saints and Lions needed overtime to decide the game. Lions won by one point.
GO RAVENS!!!
MY WEEKLY PICKS WHO TO ROOT FOR
Remember don’t bet the beer money on my picks since they are who we want to win not who we think will win.
Thursday night
1-0 Lions over 1-0 Bills
Keep an eye on the Lions to see how well they play against a descent Bills team. This could give us some incite on the Saints.
UPDATE: Bills beat the Lions 31-41
Sunday 1:00
1-0 RAVENS over 0-1 Saints
We all saw what the Ravens did last week, If we can repeat that we should have no problem against the Saints who gave up a ton of yards and more importantly a lot of points. The Ravens offense will have a great day running and passing down field.
Ja’Kobi Lane will miss this game and the next 4 or 5 weeks after having surgery on his injured wrist. We also may not have Zay with a hamstring, but we may see Nnamdi Madubuike and Teddye Buchanan for the first time on defense. The Ravens win this one in front of a fired-up home crowd.
GO RAVENS!!!
0-1 Patriots over 1-0 Steelers
Need I same more?
0-1 Texans over 1-0 Bengals
Joe Burrow is banged up all ready, could be a long or short season for him.
0-1 Buccaneers over 0-1 Browns
The Jets have a win, even the Raiders have a win, but the Browns do not.
1-0 Eagles over 0-1 Titans
NFC over AFC and rooting for our Philly friends.
0-1 Packers over 1-0 Jets
What happened to the Packers last week?
Sunday 4:00
0-1 Chargers over 1-0 Raiders
No comment.
0-1 Broncos over 1-0 Jaguars
It’s all about how it helps the Ravens. Both AFC teams The Jaguars have a win and the Broncos don’t
0-1 Commanders VS 0-1 Cowboys
You pick’em, both need their first win.
1-0 49ers over 0-1 Dolphins
NFC over AFC
Sunday Night 8:00
0-1 Colts over 1-0 Chiefs
We love the Colts this week.
Monday Night 8:00
1-0 Giants over 0-1 Rams
Good luck John.
Enjoy the games with that frosty beverage and a friend.
On a final note, I would like to tip my hat to John Harbaugh for a Super Bowl win and many years of great Ravens football. Good luck in New York John and may we meet and beat you in the Super Bowl.
And that’s just the view from 151
GO RAVENS!!!
