It's here, folks. The 2024 NFL season is upon us. The Indianapolis Colts have been hard at work during training camp, and are just about set to introduce us to this year's version of the team.
The preseason gets rolling in just a few days, and fans couldn't be more excited for football to be back, especially with the return of Anthony Richardson. Last year's first-round pick will be on a mission to prove that the hype was and is, indeed, worthwhile.
When the Colts take the field first, this year, it will be at home against Sean Payton and, well, whomever he decides to send out there to start at quarterback. Let's quickly get into the preseason schedule and each matchup.
Preseason Week 1 vs. Denver Broncos
Date/Time: 1 p.m. ET, Aug. 11
Once again, it'll be Payton and his rebuilding Broncos taking on the Colts here. We aren't quite sure how the quarterback position is going to play out here, but thankfully, the Colts don't have that problem. Which player is going to outshine the rest? Is it going to be rookie Bo Nix, the recently acquired Zach Wilson or will Jarrett Stidham surpass them all?
Preseason Week 2 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Date/Time: 7 p.m. ET, Aug. 17
This is the game where we're likely to see the starters play more than the other games, so expect to see Richardson take a healthy amount of snaps. On the other side, the Colts will have to deal with top rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., son of the Colts legend, catching passes from the dual-threat quarterback, Kyler Murray.
Preseason Week 3 @ Cincinnati Bengals
Date/Time: 8 p.m. ET, Aug. 22
Finally, Indy will be tested against blonde Joe Burrow and company. But, they're unlikely to see a whole lot of Burrow in this one, if any at all. It'll be each team's final tune-up. before the regular season kicks off.
When does the Indianapolis Colts' regular season kick off?
The Colts kick off their 2024 regular season on Sunday, Sept. 8 in a home tilt against an AFC South rival, the Houston Texans.
After watching the Texans take the league by storm thanks to their own rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, Richardson and the Colts have to be eager to prove they belong, just as well. This will be no easy task, though, as the Texans spent their offseason loading up on talent to surround Stroud with the best possible weapons, and a much-improved defense.
Three of the Colts' first four regular season games are at home, which is going to be a nice advantage for Richardson to have coming back from injury. Getting the home crowd behind him as he continues to develop and hopefully, break out, is something he should be thanking the schedule makers for putting into place.
After taking on Houston in Week 1, the Colts will travel to Green Bay in Week 2, followed by hosting the Bears in Week 3 and the Steelers in Week 4.