Are the Indianapolis Colts Getting Overhyped?

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Even before NFL mini-camps begin, predictions about the 2014 season are already rolling in from media outlets around the world. Several of these early predictions are fairly favorable to the Indianapolis Colts. As talented as this team is, it might be time for some of these prognosticators to hold their horses.

The Indianapolis Colts have impressed and improved in both years of the Chuck Pagano/Andrew Luck era. This reloaded regime has made the NFL Playoffs in both of the past two seasons, and have regained the AFC South divisional title. Still, the Colts (and every other team in the league) are one bad move or injury away from derailing a championship run.

Some early 2014 predictions have the Colts continuing to improve, a few of which even expecting an AFC Championship. Not saying that these improvements are erroneous, rather that this team still has several big questions on their roster and holes to fill. Indianapolis has a third offensive line shake-up in three seasons. The team is also keeping their fingers crossed for healthy returns from season-ending injuries to players like WR –Reggie Wayne, TE – Dwayne Allen, and RB’s – Vick Ballard and Ahmad Bradshaw. The Colts will also be missing OLB – Robert Mathis to a four-game suspension, all of which could place Indianapolis behind the eight ball early.

The Colts remain a young team on the rise, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them make a deep in into the postseason. Still, there are too many variables around at this early hour, to have the team representing their conference in next year’s Super Bowl.