Predicting the outcome of all 17 games for the Colts this season
Week 9 – Colts at Patriots
After losing three of their last four, Indy packs it up and heads to New England to face off with what once used to be a prominent rivalry.
Chris Ballard declared the rivalry back on when Josh McDaniels jetted out of his agreement and went back to New England before getting the head coaching position in Las Vegas. But it never really got going. One team was always more stacked, and it was usually New England.
Now, with second-year starter Mac Jones, it might be a little more competitive. Indy needs to turn the tides now or their season will be on the verge of being lost. The Patriots are coming off a matchup with the Bills and riding high, setting up for another victory against a tough AFC competitor.
Colts lose (4-5)
Week 10 – Colts at Raiders
Maybe this is where the rivalry game should be. Indianapolis heads to Las Vegas to play against the team that is now coached by Josh McDaniels, who should have been in Indy all this time.
The addition of Davante Adams helps the Raiders’ chances in the AFC West. Luckily, at this point, Indy has improved its secondary and started getting a handle on the season.
This should be a winnable game in Las Vegas. The last time Indianapolis went to Las Vegas, Kenny Moore jumped above Darren Waller to intercept a pass in the endzone.
Colts win (5-5)
Week 11 – Colts vs Eagles
Will A.J. Brown be the difference maker for the Eagles’ offense? It is likely that this is the final chance that Jalen Hurts has at a starting role in Philadelphia, so I’d expect the Eagles to take a significant leap into relevancy this season.
However, I don’t think it’s nearly as big of a leap that Indy should take. Indianapolis, on the brink of elimination, needs to win this week at home to keep its playoff hopes alive. That’s exactly what happens. Matt Ryan has an MVP-like game tossing the ball for over 350 yards in a rout.
Colts win (6-5)
Week 12 – Colts vs Steelers, Monday Night Football
The first Monday Night Football game of the season, and it is against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Honestly, do we even know who will be the starting QB for Pittsburgh at this point in the season?
With so much uncertainty, anyone can end up with the starting gig for the Steelers, which could create massive destruction for the team.
Indianapolis gets the job done at home this week and starts making a bounce back on the season.
Colts win (7-5)
Week 13 – Colts at Cowboys, Sunday Night Football
Just as fans are starting to get comfortable winning games again, Indy has another primetime game. The team heads to Dallas to keep up its recent win streak alive.
Dak Prescott and company are firing on all cylinders to keep ahead of the Eagles in the divisional race. Unfortunately, that spells bad news for Indianapolis.
The last time that Indy was able to win in Dallas was in 1996 before Peyton Manning was in the NFL. Indianapolis has lost three of the last four meetings against Dallas. The streak continues this year.
Colts lose (7-6)