The Colts continue clawing their way up the power rankings for Week 8

The Indianapolis Colts managed to claw their way to victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 7, after an ugly first half which saw the Dolphins leading 10-0. Thankfully, the Colts were able to turn things around in the second half, with standout defensive plays leading to a more revitalized offense that heavily relied on quarterback Anthony Richardson's ability to run.

Now 4-3, the Colts will have a tough string of games ahead of them. They have another divisional matchup against the Houston Texans, before taking on the Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills. Will the Colts be up to the task? The defense is improving, the the Richardson-led offense seems to be struggling, particularly with running back Jonathan Taylor still out.

Where do NFL analysts see the Colts now? Read on for the latest power rankings.

Josh Kendall, The Athletic: #20 (+/- 0)

Indianapolis is only one game out of the AFC South lead, which is impressive considering the play it has gotten from Anthony Richardson. The second-year quarterback entered the season with a lot of hype but is 32nd in the league in completion percentage (48.5), 29th in EPA per dropback (minus-.11) and has thrown twice as many interceptions (six) as touchdown passes (three). Richardson had a 59.2 passer rating Sunday but did add 56 rushing yards to help get Indianapolis past hapless Miami.

Conor Orr, SI: #15 (+1)

I have a good deal of respect for Shane Steichen for shouldering the blame on Anthony Richardson’s recent performance but I think it’s clear to gauge his proficiency when removing Richardson from the equation. This year, Joe Flacco is fourth in EPA and CPOE composite among quarterbacks with a minimum of 125 snaps. Last year, Gardner Minshew had one of the worst completion percentage over expectation ratings (an average of –3.3 per game) and the Colts still outscored the Texans on the season and finished within a game of the playoffs. 

Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports: #19 (+2)

Most people would probably be surprised to see the Colts are over .500. They haven’t been impressive. The story of their season isAnthony Richardson’s struggles throwing the football. But they’re staying in the hunt, and presumably will get star players likeJonathan TaylorandDeForest Bucknerback soon.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: #18 (+3)

They are 4-3, but they haven't looked that good in getting there. Yet here they are one game behind the Texans in the division as they face them this week in Houston.

Stephen Holder, ESPN: #20 (-1)

Jones was drafted to compete as a depth player, but he has been elevated out of necessity to the Colts' top outside cornerback situation. The 22-year old, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2023, ranks fifth in the league with eight passes defensed this season. Jones has also created a "tight window" on 33% of throws on which he has been targeted, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That's a respectable number for a long-shot player who has been asked to play a huge role in his second season.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: #20 (+/- 0)

The Colts are treading water with a backup running game, as Anthony Richardson isn't doing anything special, but the defense is now giving them more of a fighting chance.

Bleacher Report: #21 (+2)

It was widely expected that after missing time with an oblique injury that second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson would return to action Sunday in Nashville. But Richardson joined running back Jonathan Taylor on the shelf Sunday, leaving the starting quarterback duties to Joe Flacco.

Flacco didn't pile up the style points. But thanks to a big catch from wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (who is himself injured), the Colts squeaked past the Titans and got back to .500 for the season.

Richardson told reporters after the game that all that matters to him is the win, but he hopes to be back out there against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7.

"Anything for the team," Richardson said. "If they feel like it's best for me to sit another week, I'm listening to them. If they feel like it's best for me to go out there and play, I'm going to listen to them. Whatever they feel is best for the team, that's what it is. I'm still healing. If they would have said I was rolling this week, I would've went out there and rolled. But I'm feeling good, though. Hopefully, I get back out there next week."

Analyst's Take

Indianapolis finds itself in an interesting position. What really matters? Long term, the organization must develop Anthony Richardson after drafting him fourth overall last year to be its franchise quarterback. Short term, veteran Joe Flacco can help the team win games, as they have in two of their last three contests. The Colts could take a hit by placing Richardson back in the lineup. Still, Richardson is the starter. He needs to be on the field. As soon as he's cleared, the Flacco era in Indianapolis should come to an end. -- Brent Sobleski

Mike Florio, NBC Sports: #19 (+1)

As Anthony Richardson gets more reps, he’ll keep getting better.

Nate Davis, USA Today: #21 (-7)

They're 4-3 and have moved into wild-card position in the AFC. But Indy simply isn't passing the eyeball test with sophomore Anthony Richardson, the league's least-accurate (48.5%) and efficient (60.0 rating) quarterback among those with at least 100 passes. (Though apparently the NFL likes what it sees, flexing the Colts into a Sunday night date at Minnesota in Week 9.)

David Helman, Fox Sports: #20 (+2)

The Colts won an NFL football game on Sunday to improve their record to 4-3. That feels like the only thing worth saying about Miami-Indianapolis. But however forgettable the Colts have looked to this point, they’re giving themselves a chance to improve by simply staying alive.

Eric Edholm, NFL.com: #18 (+/- 0)

The Colts might be determined to play an entire season of one-score games. They’ve won four of five to get over .500 for the first time this season, yet the excitement is very much bridled because of who they’ve beaten (especially the quarterbacks) and how those games have unfolded. Anthony Richardson made his return to the lineup and started the game 1 for 7 passing, also coughing up the ball in a goal-to-go situation. He had a 22-yard run and a 33-yard throw to Michael Pittman Jr., but the big-play element just wasn’t there for the Colts most of the game. Richardson at least got something going with his legs, and Shane Steichen might have to put his QB in harm’s way more often to get this offense juiced up a bit. The defense settled down and made some game-changing plays in the second half, but a better team than the Dolphins could have stolen this game.