Stampede Blue
According to a few of the mainstream media NFL power rankings, the Indianapolis Colts are not initially well thought of as they are set to begin the 2025 regular season:
VIA ESPN
Chances to make the playoffs: 32.0%
Chances to win division: 21.1%
Projected wins: 7.7
Strength of schedule: Eighth easiest
2024 record: 8-9Biggest strength: Defensive line. The Colts rank in the top 10 in spending on interior defensive linemen and edge rushers, and that has created perhaps the team’s strongest position group. The unit is anchored by DT DeForest Buckner and has several solid veterans throughout, such as DEs Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam and NT Grover Stewart. The additions of 2024 first-round choice Laiatu Latu and this year’s second-round pick JT Tuimoloau give the group a chance to reach the next level. — Stephen Holder
Biggest concern: Quarterback. The Colts have selected Daniel Jones as their Week 1 starter over third-year player and incumbent starter Anthony Richardson Sr., the latest domino to fall in the team’s woeful quarterback story. Jones will be the Colts’ 11th different starting quarterback in a regular-season game since Andrew Luck abruptly retired before the 2019 season. Indianapolis’ lack of stability at the position continues to undermine what is otherwise a mostly solid roster. — Holder
QB stat to know: Jones is 4-0 against the AFC South in his career, and his QBR of 81 in those games is the highest by any quarterback with at least three starts against his new division over the past five seasons. — ESPN Research
How to win your fantasy league: TE Tyler Warren. A physical and rugged mover who can work the middle of the field and produce after the catch, Warren can impact the Colts’ passing game from a variety of pre-snap alignments. He had 104 receptions in his final season at Penn State, and he should be a reliable target for Jones. Warren is an upside play who can be drafted as a fringe TE1 in 12-team leagues. — Bowen
Bold prediction for 2025: Adonai Mitchell will record at least 700 receiving yards. I’m a believer in the receiver after a somewhat disappointing rookie campaign, which was plagued by missed connections downfield, because he also showed signs of real potential. Mitchell recorded an 82 open score (top 10 among wide receivers). I’m betting that skill will pay dividends. — Walder
VIA NFL.COM
Rank 28.
Indianapolis Colts
The chances of ending a four-season playoff drought right now fall on Daniel Jones, and I make no apologies for being a little skittish about those prospects. The rest of the roster isn’t in terrible shape, mind you, but it’s not strong enough for me to assume that the Colts can withstand average QB play (or worse) and find a way into the postseason mix. Perhaps Anthony...
