While 2026 is a new era for the Baltimore Ravens, their Week 1 game plan should be one they’ve schemed up countless times before. Feed The King. Feed Derrick Henry.
It wasn’t easy to run on the Indianapolis Colts last season—they allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game at 101.9. However, while their defensive line is still talented with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, their linebacker room has undergone a drastic shift.
Sure-fire tacklers Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt are gone. Their replacements are far less proven. Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies have been inserted into starting roles, and rookies CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher might have a long day ahead of them.
That second level could be fish food for Henry.
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry could feast on Colts linebacker room
Derrick Henry’s going to hit the second level no matter what. It’s practically impossible to contain the man for all four quarters. Sure, the Ravens' interior offensive line is brand new, and DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart will have their wins up front, but so will Henry.
And even when Buckner and Stewart find their way through trying to bust Baltimore’s rushing attack, Henry’s ability to fend off would-be tacklers and rumble upfield is second to none.
In 2025, Henry totaled 1,225 rush yards after contact. Horrific offensive line and all, Henry still fought through contact and broke things into the open field time and time again. He also totaled 17 20+ yard gains (first), four 40+ yard gains (tied for second), and 79 first downs (second).
And good luck firing through the gaps in the red zone and keeping him off pay dirt. He had 16 touchdowns on the ground last season (second). He's pretty much the king of touchdowns.
Simply put, he’s going to hit the second level whether you like it or not.
Who will be awaiting him there? A cluster of unproven linebackers.
Akeem Davis-Gaither is the best Indianapolis has right now. He was pretty solid in run defense with the Arizona Cardinals last year, posting a 66.9 PFF run defense grade; however, with a mediocre 13 missed tackles in that campaign, Henry has a chance to expose him.
Their other starter is Jaylon Carlies, who has started six games entering Year 3. He has looked promising throughout his career, but as a young, largely inexperienced linebacker? Henry should take control of that matchup if he meets him in the open field.
Of course, you still have to mention the Colts’ rookie linebackers. CJ Allen was drafted in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he knows how to plug run plays and sift through garbage. Bryce Boettcher is a fourth-round pick who has a fearless mentality that feels like he wants to take your head off on every play.
The issue is exactly that, though. They're rookies. Neither will start, but they could find themselves in the rotation. And facing Derrick Henry in your NFL debut is a crazy bad luck of the draw.
While Baltimore’s offensive line still has to prove they can be at least average in 2026, that shouldn’t stop Henry from being exceptional early and often throughout the season. And it wouldn’t surprise a single soul if he dominates in the season opener.
Add us as a preferred source on Google