It’s impossible not to look at the Indianapolis Colts and think that this team isn’t destined for the postseason. They have all the potential in the world.
The key for the Colts will be the health of Anthony Richardson. The second-year quarterback is coming back from a season-ending injury that destroyed a promising rookie season. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew almost led the team to the postseason, but bad decisions ended the team’s season in week 18 against the Houston Texans.
The 2024 season will provide some intriguing challenges. The Indianapolis Colts will have to play the NFC North and AFC East, two of the most interesting divisions this upcoming season. The NFC North in particular has the Detroit Lions who just played in the NFC Championship Game.
The Colts also have to play against the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants, two rebuilding teams that could be potential sleeper matchups.
Indianapolis Colts Easiest Stretch
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Unlike other teams like the San Francisco 49ers, the Indianapolis Colts do have a stretch of the schedule that could be seen as their easiest stretch of the season. It happens to be at the most critical point of the season, which is the end of the season.
At the end of the season, the Colts get to play at Denver, home against Tennessee, at the New York Giants, then at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. None of those teams were playoff teams in 2023 and none of them are projected as playoff teams in 2024. This presents a massive opportunity for the Colts to get hot at the end of the season on their way to a playoff berth.
Indianapolis Colts Toughest Stretch
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The Colts do not experience a bye week until week 14. Before they reach that point, they have to endure a bit of a gauntlet from weeks 7-12. In those weeks, the Indianapolis Colts have to play against Miami, go on the road to Houston and Minnesota, return home to play Buffalo, and return to New Jersey to play the Jets, before finally playing at home against the Lions.
This is a remarkable stretch for any team to endure. Each of those teams is going to be an extremely tough matchup. All of those teams are potential playoff teams and a losing streak here to could sabotage any playoff hopes.
Indianapolis Colts Toughest Games
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The toughest game on the schedule has to be at home against the Detroit Lions. After enduring so many tough games leading up to that matchup, facing the team that almost won the NFC Championship last season just seems like a cruel decision by the NFL schedule makers.
Playing two games in New Jersey against the Jets and Giants could also be massive games to circle not only because of the controversies with the playing surface but because both teams could potentially pose problems for the Colts. Another tough game to look out for has to be the two matchups with the Texans since there’s still potential for a young quarterback rivalry between Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson.
Final Verdict
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I think the Indianapolis Colts have a favorable schedule. In spite of the middle of the season stretch, I think there’s potential for the Colts to make it through that stretch to make the playoffs as a Wild Card team at minimum. One of the keys will be hoping that Jonathan Taylor returns to form while creating a dynamic duo with Anthony Richardson.
The Colts have a solidified roster with a second-year quarterback who has the potential to be one of the top young quarterbacks in all of football. Keeping him healthy after an injury ended his rookie season will be key for the team’s success in the 2024 NFL season.
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About the Author
Alex is a writer at Total Apex Sports. His interests include gaming, watching movies, and spending time with his girlfriend. He’s a loyal fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bulls, San Francisco Giants, and the Chicago Blackhawks. You can find him on X at @alex_furtotti
