Few national talking heads believe the Indianapolis Colts will be much good in 2026, and even fewer appear to think that Indy can win the AFC South title for the first time since 2014 or make the playoffs since 2020. The truth is, though, Indianapolis can do both of those things.
Predictions are often wrong before a season, and that's fair. People can say what they want and prognosticate what they want, but that doesn't mean that if they are wrong that should have their proverbial feet held to the coals. Predictions are made to be wrong, and in the case of the 2026 Colts, they likely will be.
People who aren't fans of the team tend to remember the second half of last season and not the first. The former saw Indy start 7-1, led by a highly efficient offense and a bend-but-don't-break defense. At the beginning of this coming season, the offense could still be very good, and the defense better than it was last year.
3 reasons the Indianapolis Colts can exceed expectations in 2026
So why believe in the Indianapolis Colts this season? There are plenty of reasons. Here are just three.
Daniel Jones is due to stay healthy
Jones has had three seasons cut short because of various injuries, and that includes 2025, of course. He first broke his fibula, and then a few weeks later tore his Achilles tendon. If he isn't made of glass, and he isn't, then that is just bad luck. He is due for a season or five where he has a more fortunate life.
The reality of Jones is complex, of course. He wasn't sustainably great with his first team, the New York Giants, and they eventually let him go. Most quarterbacks, except for a fw historically elite ones, are only as good as the system they are in. More specifically, how they fit into that scheme.
Fans know that Jones found his fit in head coach Shane Steichen's system last year, and the scheme amplified what Jones does best: Accurate short-to-middle passing and his ability to scramble out of pressure. He is healthy now, and with a good set of offensive starters around him. If he lasts the season, the Colts are going to the playoffs.
Sauce Gardner will be around for the entire season
Is Gardner overrated? Some think so, but that isn't based on statistics. The former New York Jets cornerback has a career quarterback rating allowed of only 76.7. He has allowed just five touchdowns in four seasons. He is good against the run and a tremendous tackler for a defensive back.
And now, for the first time, he is a member of the Colts for a full season. His effect on the defense hasn't yet been felt, but will begin in Week 1. He is motivated and already elite. The rest of the league will simply need to re-learn just how impactful a player he can be.
Keenan Allen is a sneaky great signing
Ahead of preseason Week 2, Indianapolis had a depth problem at wide receiver. That was due to Alec Pierce being hurt and not practicing, of course, but more importantly, the team had no WR3. Michael Pittman Jr. was traded this past offseason to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but had no real replacement for him.
Allen might not only be a true replacement for Pittman, but maybe better. That is because of how he fits in the offense. Allen isn't going to get or need as many targets as Pittman, but the former Los Angeles Chargers wideout could be even more valuable on third downs. He welcomes his role and knows Steichen's system.
The veteran wideout played under Steichen for a number of seasons when both were with the Chargers, so his fit is natural and perfect. His presence and high football IQ will help Pierce and Josh Downs for at least a season, and 2026 is all we are concerned about at this point.
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