The Indianapolis Colts looked much better than expected in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. They ultimately lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-21, but many people consider Jacksonville one of the top teams in the league, and Indy one of the worst. When both squads were on the field together competing, that didn’t seem like the case.
Either the Jaguars aren’t as good as people thought, the Colts aren’t as bad as people think, or it was just a Week 1 NFL game, where anything could happen. The rest of the season will reveal the truth, but experts are already sharing their thoughts on where each team stands going into Week 2.
Where Colts rank across expert power rankings entering Week 2
Indianapolis started the season receiving very little respect in power rankings. Ahead of Week 1, the Colts had an average ranking of 28. Now, with just one game played, that average ranking has dropped to 29, with Indy falling in rankings. Here’s where the Colts ranked in specific power rankings.
ESPN moved Indy down a spot to No. 30. Stephen Holder praised Anthony Richardson for his debut, but said the offense must work on being more explosive.
NFL.com also dropped the Colts from 29 to No. 30. Eric Edholm had a similar assessment, praising Richardson, but also critiquing the lack of downfield passing.
After having Indianapolis at 26 last week, CBS Sports dropped Indy down to No. 29. Pete Prisco argued that Richardson held the ball too long at times, making his debut inconsistent.
Indy’s lowest ranking last week was 31, and that came from Bleacher Report. This week, Bleacher Report bumped the Colts up to No. 28, making the case that the development of Anthony Richardson is off to a great start.
Ultimately, the Colts haven’t earned much respect yet. They’ll have to continue playing above expectations, and actually winning games. Indy has a chance to do that on Sunday against a young Houston Texans team.