The Indianapolis Colts begin the 2026 season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 13, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indy needs to get off to a fast start this year, but unlike last season, it needs not to take a dive in the second half of the season. Week 1 won't be easy, however.
The Ravens have a new coaching staff, but most of the same high-end players they've had in recent seasons. That begins with quarterback Lamar Jackson, of course. Stopping Jackson is a must on Sunday.
What is also a must is for some unsung players to make an impact for the Colts. As fans saw in 2025, stars won't get the team to the postseason by themselves. 2026 could be different simply by having some new or previously underperforming players making a season-long impact. Three of those players are below.
These Indianapolis Colts could make a massive impact in Week 1 versus the Baltimore Ravens
Defensive end Micheal Clemons
Stopping Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens means stopping the run first. Jackson has developed into a fantastic passer, but it is his legs that scare teams the most. Of course, he isn't the only player who runs the ball well for Baltimore, as Derrick Henry is obviously pretty good and likely a first-ballot Hall of Fame player.
Clemons hasn't done much in his career at getting pressure on QBs, but at times he has been great against the run. On Lou Anarumo's defense, he could finally find his niche and understand his role better than he did with the New York Jets.
Clemons got 49 reps during the preseason, and 19 were in run defense. He had two run stuffs and three tackles. Not necessarily elite production, but his reps were limited. He has played against the Ravens twice in his career and been solid. In Week 1, he'll be even better.
Wide receiver Deion Burks
The Indianapolis Colts might be facing a situation where they have to have a wide receiver step up. The assumption is that Alec Pierce and Josh Downs will both play, but Pierce only started being a full participant in practice last week. Downs seems good to go now, but did miss some of camp with an injury.
Burks offers some flexibility in where he can line up, so he might be in the slot one day, while Downs moves outside, and then be on the outside the next. He isn't a big receiver, but he showed quickness in preseason games and was sure-handed. He caught eight of his 11 targets with no drops.
The rookie could also get some chances to return kicks. He did so six times in the preseason, and he averaged 24.2 yards per return. Just as he is as a receiver so far, he might not be flashy, but being steady is just as important.
Defensive tackle Adebawore Adetomiwa
Through his first three seasons, Adetomiwa, a fourth-round selection in the 2023 draft out of Northwestern, has been fairly atrocious against the run. That isn't why he might star against the Ravens, however. If he rotates in on obvious passing downs, he could be a menace for Lamar Jackson.
The defensive tackle had 34 total pressures last season (the first year he was trusted with getting much playing time), but he was only in on 359 pass-rush snaps. In other words, nearly 10 percent of the time a quarterback drops back, Adetomiwa was bringing heat. That isn't superstar level, but it is still pretty efficient.
If the Colts can get a decent lead early and Baltimore has to throw more than it wants, Adetomiwa could be unleashed. He is facing a contract season and will be extra motivated to stick around the league a lot longer. He could begin increasing his asking price with a tremendous performance against the Ravens.
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