The Indianapolis Colts have to make the postseason in 2026, one would think, for general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen to keep their jobs. The roster might be good enough to do that, but Indy has to go through some very good quarterbacks to get to the playoffs.
The beginning of the season is especially difficult. The team begins with games against Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, respectively. It doesn't get any easier in Week 3 when the Colts play the Houston Texans and quarterback CJ Stroud.
It speaks volumes about the quality of the QBs Indianapolis will face in 2026 that Stroud isn't on the list below. Neither is the Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence nor the Tennessee Titans' Cam Ward. All three are capable of greatness, though let's hope it doesn't happen against Indy.
Ranking the five best quarterbacks the Indianapolis Colts will face in 2026
Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings and Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers don't make the list, either. They are further examples of the tough stretch of games when the Colts will be playing fantastic players at the most important position in sports.
5. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels
The fun part of this game is that Indianapolis gets to play against Daniels and Washington in London. The game might not feature Daniel Jones versus Daniels, though, as Jones could not yet have returned from tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 14 last season.
What the Colts don't know is whether they will get the 2024 version of the Commanders QB or the 2025 edition. Daniels was elite as a rookie, but suffered an elbow injury in his second season. He wasn't quite as effective even when he was playing, however.
4. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (Week 2)
Mahomes is aiming to return from tearing his ACL last season by Week 1. Indy fans should count on any rust, though. The Kansas City QB has been too good for too long not to pick back up high-end productivity quickly.
The truth is that Mahomes hasn't been as good in the last three seasons. His best quarterback rating in the previous three years is a solid, but not great, 93.5. He is still one of the better quarterbacks in the league, of course, but maybe a slightly diminished Mahomes is the best that the Colts can hope for.
3. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (Week 9)
Prescott is listed above Mahomes because the Chiefs' quarterback might not be fully healthy in Week 2. But to be fair to the Cowboys quarterback, he is good enough to earn a top ranking. He is elite in the regular season and is turnover-averse.
Dallas has an offense capable of greatness, and a head coach who understands how to wield it. If this game were in the postseason, where Prescott struggles more, maybe Indianapolis would have an easier time. In the regular season, this game could be one where the Colts need to simply outscore their opponent in a shootout.
2. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (Week 1)
Jackson has developed into a fantastic passer, but what makes him so dangerous is that he can beat defenses with his arm or legs. Trying to shut him down is nearly impossible in the regular season, and this season, he will be trying to prove he can win without head coach John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh was fired this offseason, of course, and is now the head coach for the New York Giants. An extra-motivated Lamar Jackson is not going to be fun. Still, if Indy can slow him down in Week 1, it could set the tone for defense for the entire season.
1. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (Week 16)
Burrow or Jackson, either could be at the top of this list. The odd part is that while Jackson has won MVP awards, Burrow hasn't come that close yet. Not that Jackson isn't worthy because he clearly was, but Burrow has had some terrific seasons. He might also know how to attack Lou Anarumo's defense, and that gives him the advantage here over Jackson.
Burrow practiced against Anarumo for the first five seasons of his career. The DC knows the QB and vice versa. Plus, a matchup that features Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase against Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward. That is must-watch football.
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