Honestly, if you walk into a sports bar in Charm City and bring up the Baltimore Ravens vs Colts matchup, you’re not just talking about a football game. You’re poking at a forty-year-old bruise that never quite healed. Most younger fans see this as just another AFC clash between two mobile quarterbacks, but for the folks who remember 1984, it’s basically a grudge match wrapped in a business trip.
The Colts didn't just leave Baltimore. They vanished.
In the dead of night on March 28, 1984, fifteen Mayflower moving vans rolled into the Owings Mills training facility under a dusting of snow. By morning, a team that had defined the city’s identity—the team of Johnny Unitas and the 1958 "Greatest Game Ever Played"—was gone. They headed to Indianapolis while the city was literally trying to pass a law to seize the team via eminent domain to keep them there.
It was messy. It was cold. And it’s why, to this day, some old-school Baltimoreans refuse to even say the word "Colts" when referring to the Indy team.
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The Modern Power Struggle: Jackson vs. Richardson
Fast forward to 2026, and the narrative has shifted from moving vans to dual-threat dominance. The Baltimore Ravens vs Colts dynamic is now defined by the evolution of the quarterback position.
On one side, you've got Lamar Jackson. He’s the gold standard for what a modern playmaker looks like. On the other, you have Anthony Richardson, a guy who literally called himself "Cam Jackson" in high school as a tribute to both Cam Newton and Lamar.
Richardson’s raw physical profile is terrifying. He’s bigger than Lamar, but whether he can match the efficiency is the real question. In their recent 2025 preseason encounter—where Baltimore walked away with a 24-16 win—we saw glimpses of that "lottery ticket" potential. Richardson has that elite arm strength that scouts drool over, but he's still chasing the consistency that Jackson has mastered over his MVP-laden career.
What Most People Get Wrong About the History
A lot of fans think the "rivalry" is just about the move. That’s a huge part, sure, but the on-field history is actually pretty lopsided in ways that might surprise you.
- The Post-Move Curse: For years after the Ravens were established in 1996, the Colts (led by Peyton Manning) absolutely owned Baltimore. It didn't matter how good Ray Lewis and the defense were; Manning seemed to have the cheat codes.
- The 2006 Playoff Heartbreak: This is the one that still stings. The Ravens held the Colts to zero touchdowns in a divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. Zero. And they still lost 15-6 because Adam Vinatieri kicked five field goals. It was one of the best defensive performances in playoff history, wasted.
- The Turnaround: Lately, the tide has turned. The Ravens have become the more stable, winning franchise, while Indy has cycled through quarterbacks since Andrew Luck’s shock retirement.
Recent Matchup Reality Check
The last time these two met in a game that actually "counted" in the standings (2023), it was a bizarre, rain-soaked overtime affair that the Colts won 22-19. It was a classic "trap game" where Matt Gay kicked four field goals from 50+ yards. It proved that regardless of the roster strength, the Colts always seem to play the Ravens with a weird, gritty desperation.
In the most recent 2025 preseason opener, the Ravens’ depth showed out. Rookie LaJohntay Wester broke open the game with an 87-yard punt return. Keaton Mitchell looked explosive coming back from injury, racking up 68 yards and a score. While Lamar Jackson sat that one out, the Ravens' system proved it could handle a Colts team that was still trying to find its rhythm under pressure.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If you’re planning your calendar, the 2026 season schedule has already confirmed a massive date at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts will host the Ravens as part of the AFC South vs. AFC North rotation.
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Expect the atmosphere in Indy to be electric, but expect the "Purple Birds" fans to travel. Ravens fans have a long memory. They treat games in Indianapolis like a reclaiming of stolen property.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re betting on or analyzing the next Baltimore Ravens vs Colts game, keep these factors in mind:
- Watch the Turf: Baltimore usually plays on grass at home, but the fast turf in Indy favors Richardson’s straight-line speed.
- The Kicker Factor: Both these teams historically rely on elite kicking. Between Justin Tucker and whatever veteran the Colts are currently rolling with, these games often come down to three points in the final two minutes.
- Third-Down Efficiency: In their 2025 meeting, both teams struggled (Ravens 4-of-13, Colts 5-of-17). The winner of this matchup is almost always the team that manages to keep the chains moving and keeps the opposing dual-threat QB off the field.
The Baltimore Ravens vs Colts matchup isn't just a game; it's a bridge between the NFL’s past and its future. Whether it’s the ghost of Robert Irsay or the lightning speed of Lamar Jackson, there’s always something extra at stake.
For the best experience, track the official NFL schedule release in the spring of 2026 to secure tickets for the Lucas Oil Stadium clash early, as these cross-divisional games sell out fast. Keep an eye on the injury reports for Anthony Richardson, whose physical playstyle has led to missed time in previous seasons. If he's healthy, this is a top-tier quarterback showcase you cannot miss.