Manning hasn't lost to the Ravens since 2001, and he has thrown 16 touchdown passes against Baltimore in his career. The 49ers, Texans and Patriots have had so-so success limiting Manning's favorite targets, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, and forcing him to use his other receivers to beat them. Look for the Ravens to try to hide their defenses until the last second, and then bring some heat. Whether they can knock Manning off his game remains to be seen. If they do, they'll be the first this season.


Edge: Manning

No one enters a game against the Ravens without planning extensively about how to handle Lewis. Despite his 14 years in the league, Lewis still has the drive and the physical skills to change the course of games. He's a devastating run stopper, shooting quickly to plug holes, and the Colts have had trouble running the ball. So that's a concern. He's also able to help put pressure on the quarterback, rushing throws. Making Manning hurry and making other quarterbacks hurry are two different things, of course.


Edge: Lewis

They don't necessarily match up, but the two University of Miami products will end up seeing each other before the game is over. Look for the Ravens to throw some different looks at Wayne in order to take him out of his flow and keep him from having a big day against the secondary. Reed will be searching for that one vulnerable Manning throw to pick off. Wayne is the best receiver in the game today, even if few people outside of Indianapolis give him his proper due.


Edge: Wayne

The Ravens are a more pass-oriented team with quarterback Joe Flacco than they have been in the past. That means Freeney and friends must disrupt Flacco's rhythm. Freeney's streak of consecutive games with a sack ended at nine against the Patriots. They kept him a split second from reaching Tom Brady. That should only make him hungrier this week. Gaither is powerful and athletic for his size (6-foot-9, 330 pounds). He's a lot to get around. Freeney's probably already spinning just thinking about it.


Edge: Freeney

Stover has done a nice job since taking over the place-kicking duties after the injury to Adam Vinatieri. He has hit all six field-goal attempts and all 13 extra points. This week's game takes him back to the where he spent the bulk of his career, nailing clutch kicks for the Ravens. There are bound to be some emotions rising if he ends up lining up for a big kick. But that adrenalin should come in handy for the Colts, as Stover seeks to prove he still has what it takes to stick it (kick it?) to the Ravens.


Edge: Stover.


The pick: Colts 20, Ravens 17

— Reggie Hayes