Ravens' Week 3 matchup just got a lot easier

The Ravens have high aspirations for the 2023 season and their journey back to the playoffs just got a little bit easier for them in a competitive AFC.

On Tuesday, the Colts were not able to trade All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor and he is now expected to remain on the physically unable to perform list, making him ineligible to play the first four games of the season.

Why does this help Baltimore?

The Ravens host Indianapolis in Week 3, which means they will no longer have to account for arguably the Colts' best player on offense.

Indianapolis could still add to its running back room, but for now, the team only has Zack Moss, Deon Jackson and Evan Hull on its roster. It is certainly not a group that will keep Baltimore up at night game planning.

Another major question mark heading into the game will be rookie QB Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, a running game is a rookie quarterback's best friend and Richardson will likely be without that to start his NFL career.

The Ravens also have some questions on defense for the first time in a while after opting to go with youth this offseason. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it will probably take some time for the unit to gel.

Baltimore's matchup with the Colts could be the perfect opportunity to get right and come away with a tally in the win column. The AFC seems to be as talented as ever, so every win matters in what will likely be a photo finish to make the postseason.