In the Spotlight: Indianapolis Colts Look to Bounce Back in 2026

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season looking to recover from one of the NFL’s more dramatic second-half collapses. Indianapolis finished 8-9 in 2025 after opening 7-1 and briefly holding the AFC’s No. 1 seed, only to lose eight of its final nine games. Quarterback Daniel Jones returns after an Achilles injury ended his first season with Indianapolis in December. Before the injury, Jones completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions while producing a career-best 100.2 passer rating. The Colts rewarded him with a new contract, and he returned as a full participant for training camp.

What to Watch

Jones’ health may be the biggest factor determining whether Indianapolis can return to the playoffs. The offense was among the NFL’s most productive early in 2025, averaging 32.1 points through Week 11. Running back Jonathan Taylor remains a major part of that attack, while Alec Pierce returns as a key receiving option. Indianapolis also added veteran receiver Keenan Allen in August, giving Jones another proven target after the Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh earlier in the offseason. Defense underwent more extensive changes. Indianapolis added Arden Key and Micheal Clemons at defensive end, Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery at defensive tackle, Cam Taylor-Britt at cornerback and Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas at safety. The draft also brought Georgia linebacker CJ Allen and LSU safety A.J. Haulcy.

Betting Outlook

The NFL betting market sees Indianapolis as an AFC South contender but not the division favorite. DraftKings listed the Colts at +380 to win the AFC South in early August, +2900 to win the AFC and +6000 to win the Super Bowl. The regular-season win total sits at 7.5, with Over -140 and Under +115. That number reflects both the potential Indianapolis showed during its 7-1 start and the uncertainty created by its late-season collapse. Jones staying healthy could make the Over particularly interesting, but a schedule featuring Baltimore, Kansas City, Houston and Philadelphia presents significant challenges.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 8-9, third in AFC South.
• Key players to watch: Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, Keenan Allen, Sauce Gardner and Laiatu Latu.
• Expected starting QB: Daniel Jones.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Keenan Allen, Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, Derrick Nnadi, Jerry Tillery, Cam Taylor-Britt, Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas, plus draft picks CJ Allen and A.J. Haulcy.
• Betting odds to win AFC South: +380 at DraftKings.
• Betting odds to win AFC: +2900 at DraftKings.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +6000 at DraftKings.
• Win totals over/under: 7.5 wins; Over -140, Under +115.

2026-27 Indianapolis Colts Schedule

Indianapolis plays Washington in London in Week 4 and has its bye in Week 13.

Week	Date	Opponent	Location
1	Sept. 13	Baltimore Ravens	Home
2	Sept. 20	Kansas City Chiefs	Away
3	Sept. 27	Houston Texans	Home
4	Oct. 4	Washington Commanders	London
5	Oct. 11	Pittsburgh Steelers	Away
6	Oct. 18	Tennessee Titans	Home
7	Oct. 25	Minnesota Vikings	Away
8	Nov. 1	Jacksonville Jaguars	Away
9	Nov. 8	Dallas Cowboys	Home
10	Nov. 15	Miami Dolphins	Home
11	Nov. 19	Houston Texans	Away
12	Nov. 29	New York Giants	Home
13	—	BYE	—
14	Dec. 13	Philadelphia Eagles	Away
15	Dec. 20	Tennessee Titans	Away
16	TBD	Cincinnati Bengals	Home
17	Jan. 3	Cleveland Browns	Away
18	TBD	Jacksonville Jaguars	Home

The Colts have enough talent to remain competitive in the AFC South, but Jones’ return and a revamped defense will ultimately determine whether Indianapolis can avoid another late-season slide and get back into the postseason race.