A game-by-game breakdown of the Colts’ 2020 schedule
Weeks 14-17: Bouncing back and finishing strong
Week 14: Colts @ Raiders
Bouncing back from their three game losing streak with two wins against their biggest rivals, the team looks to capitalize on a Raiders team that made a big splash in the NFL Draft.
The Colts, like in Week 5 versus the Browns, will fall against a team that doesn’t seem to be a team that’s on the Colts’ level. Derek Carr and the Raiders have a young offense that at times last season looked like one of the best in the NFL. Josh Jacobs is an emerging young star, and Henry Ruggs III is a rookie receiver who has a ton of hype. This game is where the Raiders, who will likely be trying to get the last playoff spot or two at this point in the season, put everything together and hand the Colts a loss.
It’ll be a close matchup for sure, but the Raiders have a talented team in need of experience. This late into the season, their offense will be at full force as they look to make a playoff push. If the run game can be effective, a win could happen, but it’s not likely for the team to keep their momentum alive in this game.
Colts record: 8-5
Week 15: Colts vs Texans
Another divisional matchup is crucial to win at this point. At this point in the season, they’re 3-1 in divisional matchups. Winning this game win give the team an advantage for the rest of the season and will likely be the game that decides the division winner.
Much like the last game, the Texans are a much different team compared to last year; the Colts outmatch them on both sides of the ball and won’t look back as they move to 4-1 in the division. It’s a crucial win for the Colts as it all but guarantees them as a top-four seed in the AFC playoffs and a huge advantage moving into the postseason. Rivers continues rolling as he’s in one of his best seasons as of recent.
The passing attack has been the focal point of the offense so far in these predictions and will continue throughout the remainder of it. They have the advantage in the air in most of their games, especially in their division matchups.
Colts record: 9-5
Week 16: Colts @ Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger is back as the Steelers QB for this matchup in Pittsburgh. The Colts lost here last year in a close game that ultimately began the losing streak to end out the season. The Steelers will continue their dominance over the Colts as they win their 7th consecutive game against Indianapolis and their 26th overall (to the Colts’ 6).
Roethlisberger is much improved QB in comparison to Mason Rudolph. The Steelers’ offense has always been among the best in the league, and with new additions Chase Claypool out of the draft and former Colts TE Eric Ebron, the Steelers are back and will defeat the Colts in this Week 16 matchup. The Colts arguably have the better offense this season, however, the Steelers defense is young and hungry. They’ll shut down the offense much like last season, handing the Colts yet another loss in their head-to-head rivalry.
Colts record: 9-6
Week 17: Colts vs Jaguars
The season ends once again with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This time a much improved team all-around, the Colts will have no problem defeating the Jaguars, giving them the division title in the process.
Next. 3 Colts on the chopping block in 2020. dark
Rivers will finish the season with a great game, and paired with the RB duo behind him, the Colts will finish the season with a comfortable win against the weakest team in their division. This win will likely give the Colts the division title at 10-6 and secure them a spot as one of the top four seeds in the AFC moving into the postseason. Their 5-1 divisional record will give them the edge in the event of a tie at the top of the division.
COLTS FINAL RECORD: 10-6