Lamar Jackson sent an unmistakable message in Week 1.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback delivered a spectacular performance in Indianapolis, helping his team cruise past the Colts 41-23 and immediately putting himself back into the NFL MVP conversation.

Jackson did not need three passing touchdowns to control the game.

Instead, he produced 324 passing yards on 17-of-25 passing, added a rushing touchdown and repeatedly made Indianapolis pay whenever the defense lost contain.

Lamar Jackson Takes Over Indianapolis

From the opening quarter, Jackson looked completely comfortable.

His ability to extend plays outside the pocket created constant problems for the Colts defense, while his arm opened opportunities for Baltimore’s explosive receiving corps.

One of the biggest moments came when Jackson connected with Zay Flowers on a 54-yard touchdown, giving the Ravens another explosive play in a first half that ultimately produced 31 points.

Flowers finished with five receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with a hamstring injury.

The performance demonstrated exactly why Jackson remains one of the most difficult quarterbacks in football to defend.

Derrick Henry Adds Another Nightmare

While Jackson received much of the spotlight, Indianapolis also had to deal with another enormous problem.

Derrick Henry was unstoppable.

The veteran running back rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, continuing his remarkable dominance against the Colts.

Henry’s three rushing touchdowns also moved him into third place on the NFL’s all-time rushing touchdown list, passing Hall of Famer Marcus Allen.

Together, Jackson and Henry created a nightmare combination.

The Colts could not simply commit extra defenders to Jackson because Henry could punish them on the ground.

And when Indianapolis focused on stopping the run, Jackson’s mobility and passing ability created opportunities downfield.

Peyton Manning Connection Adds Intrigue

The idea of Peyton Manning praising Lamar Jackson has generated additional attention among NFL fans because Manning knows the Indianapolis quarterback position better than almost anyone.

However, there is currently no reliable confirmation that Manning made the specific postgame comments suggested in the viral headline.

That distinction matters.

Jackson’s performance itself provides more than enough evidence that he had an outstanding afternoon.

Before the season opener, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was asked what Indianapolis needed to stop against Jackson.

His answer was simple: “Everything.”

After Sunday, that assessment looked remarkably accurate.

Ravens Send an Early Warning

Baltimore finished the afternoon with 506 total yards, while Indianapolis managed only 251.

The Ravens also controlled possession for more than 35 minutes and consistently created explosive plays on offense.

For new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, the victory could hardly have been a better opening statement.

For Jackson, it was an even bigger opportunity.

After a frustrating 2025 campaign, the former MVP entered 2026 with something to prove.

His first game suggested that he may be ready to remind the NFL exactly how dangerous he can be.

The Ravens did not simply beat the Colts.

They overwhelmed them.

And if Lamar Jackson continues playing at this level, Baltimore could quickly become one of the most feared teams in the AFC.

Week 1 may have ended in Indianapolis, but the Lamar Jackson MVP conversation has only just begun.