Final game-by-game predictions for the Colts heading into the 2023 NFL season
The season is here and the Indianapolis Colts start their 2023 campaign against the Jacksonville Jaguars. How will Indy do all season?
Since our last release of predictions, when the schedule was released in May, a lot has changed for the Indianapolis Colts. The team has fully come together and is ready to start the Anthony Richardson era on Sunday, September 10.
This season brings new talent to some key positions, but is it enough to compete in newly aquired head coach Shane Steichen's first season with the team? How much will Jonathan Taylor not being available hurt the team moving forward?
After seeing all of the moves made by NFL teams heading into Week 1, we can now start to really see how things will shape up. Of course, injuries are always a concern, but in a perfect world, each team stays healthy and has a real shot at winning a title. Let’s see how Indianapolis will do in 2023.
Week 1 - Colts vs. Jaguars
It has been 10 years since the Colts defeated the Oakland Raiders 21-17 in Week 1. That was the last time the Colts have won their first game of the season. That was Andrew Luck's second season after a playoff appearance in his first year in the NFL. Those were what people called the good times.
The last time Indy opened up against the Jaguars was in 2020 in Jacksonville and many thought it was going to be a dominant victory. Turns out, everyone was massively wrong. The Colts slowly bounced back that season led by QB Phillip Rivers, but the season was in rough shape to start the season by losing to a weak Jacksonville team.
Now the Jaguars are one of the hottest teams in the AFC with their star quarterback Trevor Lawrence and newly acquired receiver Calvin Ridley.
With this being opening night and the first time Colts fans have a chance to see Anthony Richardson in person at home in full pads, it will be a special day. Emotions might be high, but even the best have a hard time winning the season opener. Remember when Andrew Luck lost to the Bears in a beat down?
Colts are going to have it rough to start the season and will lose a game that should be won. Steichen and Richardson start the season off with a loss and no where to go, but up.
Colts lose (0-1)
Previous prediction: Colts win (1-0)