The know exactly who the ' biggest stars are. Jonathan Taylor remains one of the NFL's premier running backs. Daniel Jones is looking to pick up where he left off before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Defensively, DeForest Buckner and Sauce Gardner headline a unit loaded with recognizable talent.
. Week 1 games, however, rarely unfold exactly as expected. More often than not, a role player, emerging starter, or overlooked contributor finds a way to influence the outcome. If Baltimore wants to begin the season with a victory, these are a few Seth McGowan, running backJonathan Taylor carried a massive workload in 2025. His 323 rushing attempts led all NFL running backs, while his 18 rushing touchdowns and 84 first-down carries were also top league-wide.
The Colts would undoubtedly like to lighten that burden. Enter rookie Seth McGowan. While Indianapolis isn't expected to reduce Taylor's workload dramatically, McGowan could carve out a complementary role.
The former Second-Team All-Conference USA selection may only receive a handful of touches, but fresh legs can become dangerous late in games. If the Mo Alie-Cox, tight endEvery offense needs a player willing to handle the thankless work, and few fit that description better than Mo Alie-Cox. His receiving statistics won't jump off the page. He has never recorded more than four touchdown receptions in a season, and he isn't typically featured as a primary target. That's not really his job.
Alie-Cox impacts games through blocking, physicality, and situational reliability. He helps spring running backs, moves defenders at the point of attack, and occasionally pops up for a timely first down. The Ravens know better than most that winning football often comes down to players willing to do the dirty work.
Michael Clemons, defensive end
Michael Clemons never fully found his footing with the , but a change of scenery could prove beneficial. The veteran defensive end has always been stronger against the run than as a pure pass rusher. That skill set may fit well within Lou Anarumo's defensive system, which often asks defensive linemen to play disciplined football and execute specific assignments rather than simply attacking quarterbacks.His preseason workload suggests Indianapolis wants him involved. Clemons won't receive the same attention as Buckner or Laiatu Latu, but he has quietly played solid football against Baltimore before and could create problems if the Ravens overlook him.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, defensive tackle
DeForest Buckner is the defensive tackle Ravens fans know. Adetomiwa Adebawore may be the one they should also be discussing.Adebawore generated 34 pressures, four sacks, and six QB hits last season despite logging only 359 pass-rush snaps. That level of efficiency suggests a player beginning to grow into a larger role. He may not yet be a household name, but quarterbacks have learned that he can collapse the pocket in a hurry.
What makes him particularly dangerous is the attention Buckner commands. Offensive lines naturally slide protection toward proven stars. If Baltimore commits extra resources to slowing Buckner, Adebawore could find himself in favorable one-on-one situations throughout the afternoon.
Cam Bynum and A.J. Haulcy, safeties
The Colts enter Week 1 with an intriguing safety tandem. Cam Bynum is the veteran leader of the group and a player who impacts games in a variety of ways. He finished 2025 with 81 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups, a sack, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.Indianapolis is expected to entrust him with significant back-end communication responsibilities. Alongside him is rookie A.J. Haulcy, a First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection in 2025. There is always uncertainty when a rookie takes the field for his NFL debut, but there is also unpredictability. Baltimore's offense will undoubtedly test him early.
Josh Downs, wide receiver
Keenan Allen's arrival generated plenty of headlines. Alec Pierce remains one of Indianapolis' premier vertical threats. Josh Downs, however, might be the most overlooked receiver in the room.The slot receiver quietly produced 58 receptions, 566 yards, and four touchdowns last season while proving to be one of the Colts' most reliable targets underneath. He excels at finding soft spots in coverage and consistently keeps drives alive.
Baltimore's defense has the personnel to match up with Indianapolis' outside receivers. Downs presents a different challenge. If Daniel Jones needs a quick completion or a chain-moving reception on third down, don't be surprised if the ball finds No. 1.
Final thought
The Ravens have spent the week preparing for Taylor, Jones, Buckner, Gardner, and the rest of Indianapolis' marquee names. That's only part of the challenge.Week 1 has a habit of producing unexpected heroes and unlikely storylines. Baltimore knows where the obvious threats reside. Preventing these lesser-discussed Colts from becoming household names on Sunday could go a long way toward securing a 1-0 start.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: