The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

The Colts started out the 2025 season on fire. Daniel Jones took off and the Colts piled up wins. But along the way, Jones came back to Earth then got hurt, missing the rest of the season. The team struggled in the wake of the injury, failing to get back in the win column late in the season. The Colts finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. With Jones back in 2026, can they finish what they started? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Colts lost some serious talent on both sides of the ball this off-season. On offense, the team shipped off Michael Pittman, Jr., the No. 1 receiver, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Colts splashed out on a new contract for Alec Pierce, the receiving corps is thinner. On defense, the team bid farewell to Kwitty Paye and Samson Ebukam on the defensive line. The team also bid farewell to safeties Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas.

The team did look to re-load, bringing in Arden Key, Jerry Tillery, and Derrick Nnadi on the defensive line. The team also added veteran safety Jonathan Owens in the back end. On offense, the Colts recently signed veteran receiver Keenan Allen to provide some depth and pop to the passing game. They also added veteran Nick Westbrook to the receiving group.

Fantasy Impact

Jones was tracking toward one of his best seasons before tearing his Achilles in 2025. He signed a new, two-year deal to return. He should be a QB2 when available, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready by Week 1. Jonathan Taylor is the best part of the Colts’ offense and signed his own extension. He should be a high-end RB1.

In the passing game, the Colts are hoping to see Pierce and Josh Downs take a step forward. Pierce is banged up, but the hope is he can establish himself as the team’s WR1. I like him as a low-end WR2, while Downs and Allen are flex options for me. Tyler Warren is probably the best passing game option at tight end. He’s dealing with a minor injury in camp but should be a TE1 during the season.

Prediction

There is a wide range of outcomes for the Colts, much of it depending on the health and performance of Jones. I could see them pushing the Texans and Jaguars for the top spot in the division or slipping down below last year’s finish. We won’t really know for sure until the season gets going, but I suspect they’ll be around .500 and miss out on the playoffs again.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.