Going into the 2012 season nobody thought that a match-up between the Colts vs Ravens would be a playoff match-up. And it's not the Ravens that are the surprise. The Colts are coming off of a 2-14 season that smelled like a Peyton Manning-less team would be in for a dismal future.
Andrew Luck had other ideas. Luck has given the Colts new hope that their future is brighter than they could have ever imagined. The Ravens are in a familiar situation behind Joe Flacco, in the playoffs again. Flacco has been known to win playoff games, however, has not won a Superbowl yet in his still young career.
Although Flacco has had critics, he is a proven winner. Luck will try and win his first playoff game in his rookie season. Luck has had struggles with turning the ball over and a combination of that and the Baltimore Ravens may cause trouble for the rookie. One thing the Colts do have on their side is Chuck Pagano. Pagano has battled back from cancer and is back on the sidelines which has given the Colts a sense that they can do anything.
The Colts are the 7th best passing team in the NFL and will look to pick apart the Baltimore secondary. Reggie Wayne, Donnie Avery and T.Y. Hilton lead the Colts in receiving yards. Wayne is the sole veteran in the group and has had success with any quarterback he has played with.
The most important part of the Colts offense may be Vick Ballard who rushed for over 800 yards during season but has hit his stride lately.
Joe Flacco started to gain critics with his inconsistent performances this season until he stumped the Giants in a must win game in week 16. Flacco looked impressive with Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin backing him up. With Ray Rice in the backfield Flacco has controlled his offense with a dual threat offense.
The Ravens rank in the middle of the NFL in yards per game, passing yards per game and rushing yards per game.
M&T Bank Stadium will be ready to see Flacco and the Ravens take on the Colts as Colts fans anticipate the first playoff game in Andrew Luck's career.
Pick Indianapolis MoneyLine