Forget the quarterback competition. It might be only May, but the Indianapolis Colts can already face the facts.
With the release of the 2025 Colts' schedule, it seems pretty clear that it doesn't matter who ends up winning the quarterback job over the summer.
The early stage of their schedule is going to be difficult on either quarterback. It doesn't matter whether it's Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.
By the time Week 4 rolls around, this team could have already reverted to its other quarterback.
The Colts' first three games will dictate what happens at the quarterback position
To kick off the season, Indy will take on the Miami Dolphins at home. While, on the surface that doesn't seem like a daunting matchup, it may surprise you to learn that Miami finished with the league's no. 4 overall defense last season.
In a year where Mike McDaniel's job could be on the line, Week 1 matters a whole lot to Miami. That's a sneaky-good defense, too, and the Colts won't be in for an easy ride.
In Week 2, the Colts turn right around and play the up-and-coming Denver Broncos. That defense got even better this offseason, and it's coming off a year in which it finished no. 7 overall and no. 3 in points allowed per game.
It doesn't end there, though. For the third-straight week, the Colts will go up against a top-10 defense.
In Week 3, they'll play the Tennessee Titans who, contrary to what it might look like on the surface, have a strong defense in place. Last season, they finished no. 2 overall in yards allowed, including being no. 2 against the pass.
If it's Anthony Richardson trotting out there to start the season, there's a good chance he gets to be made the fool over those first three games and Daniel Jones gets the nod very early to replace him.
And, let's be real here.
If it's Jones starting the season, there's also a great chance he gets benched after those first three games in favor of Richardson.