The Indianapolis Colts will be trying to win the AFC South for the first time since 2014 in 2026. To do so, they need to overcome the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former appears to have improved and was already good. The latter might be worse than in 2025.
That's because the Jags lost key players such as linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne Jr. On the flipside, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. appears to be on the verge of being closer to his 2024 form than how he played last season. That should worry Indy fans.
As a rookie in 2024, Thomas had 1,282 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. In his second season, he regressed to 707 yards receiving and just two TDs. He was also discussed by the media as a potential trade candidate this offseason, especially as a player who might help bring AJ Brown to Jacksonville from the Philadelphia Eagles (Brown was eventually traded to the New England Patriots).
Indianapolis Colts might have concerns about an improved Brian Thomas Jr. for the Jaguars (or maybe not)
For whatever reason, Thomas underperformed compared to his rookie season; he obviously has the skill to rebound and be even more productive than he was in 2024. Further proof of that is that in organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp, a healthy Brian Thomas Jr. was showing off a supreme connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Thomas was hindered last season by ankle and shoulder issues. If he gets back to being healthy for much of a season, he's dangerous against the Indianapolis Colts and any other team he faces.
ESPN Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco pointed out recently, "In 2026, (Brian Thomas) has been the Jags' most impressive offensive player so far, and the chemistry between Trevor Lawrence and him -- especially on deep throws -- is the best it has been. He said a changed mindset and an emphasis on not overlooking small details in his preparation are the main reasons."
For Colts fans, even an improved Thomas might not be as great a concern as it would be for other teams. That's because Indianapolis has one of the best outside cornerback duos in the NFL, as long as Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward stay healthy.
If Thomas is back to being good and Travis Hunter takes a step up in his second season, Hunter and Thomas versus Gardner and Ward make for must-watch TV for football fans. The winners of those competitions could determine who wins the games when Indy and the Jags play.
And those games could help decide who wins the AFC South this coming season. The Texans will have a say, too, of course, but just because Brian Thomas might be better doesn't mean Gardner, Ward, and the Colts can't beat Jacksonville on Indianapolis's way to winning the division for the first time in 12 seasons.
Add us as a preferred source on Google