Last season, the Indianapolis Colts were one of the worst teams in the NFL. Not only did Indy finish with a 4-12-1 record, the team had several embarrassing moments that made the Colts the laughingstock of the league. However, Jim Irsay and Chris Ballard are determined to get things turned around in Indianapolis.
That process started with hiring Shane Steichen as head coach. Shortly after, the Colts drafted Anthony Richardson and several other talented rookies. Additionally, Indy also got back a healthy Shaquille Leonard. However, this influx of positivity was also marred by a dark cloud for the franchise: the Jonathan Taylor saga.
Taylor and the team have been engaged in a very messy, public contract dispute, and Taylor will open the season on the PUP list. With Taylor sidelined, some talented veterans, promising young players, and a first year head coach, where does Indy stand in power rankings heading into the season?
Where Colts rank across expert power rankings entering Week 1
Following the conclusion of the preseason, ESPN ranked Indianapolis at No. 29, the same spot Indy held in post-draft rankings. The only teams ranked lower are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, and Arizona Cardinals.
No. 29 is also where the Colts landed in NFL.com’s power rankings, two spots lower than the preseason ranking. Eric Edholm mentioned that Taylor being sidelined is certainly not the way the Anthony Richardson era should start, but Richardson could still have a promising season.
Indy was ranked 29th, but CBS Sports has bumped them up three spots to No. 26. Pete Prisco acknowledged that Richardson will be fun, but will also have growing pains, especially without Taylor in the backfield.
It’s clear that no one thinks highly of the Colts right now; that’s evident in the different power rankings. However, the only rankings that matter are the end-of-year rankings. Indianapolis will have the opportunity to go out and prove people wrong all season.