The Indianapolis Colts went 8-9 this season after beginning the year 7-1. The world seemed right and good. The offense was playing at a historic level, and the defense wasn't awful. Life was good.
Unfortunately, injuries wrecked everything. Quarterback Daniel Jones broke his fibula and then tore his Achilles tendon. Cornerback Charvarius Ward suffered three concussions. DeForest Buckner sprained his neck. The team finished 8-9, and, once again, missed the playoffs.
Will 2027 be better? Can the team make the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and win the AFC South for the first time since the Earth cooled? Maybe, but if you are the betting sort, you might not want to place a wager if you have any faith in bookmakers' thoughts.
Oddsmakers don't like the Indianapolis Colts' 2027 Super Bowl chances
One betting site in particular, DraftKings, has little faith in the Colts winning the Super Bowl next year. The odds given to the team are +6000, which ranks 22nd in the league. The Seattle Seahawks, this season's champion, and the Los Angeles Rams have the best odds at +950.
Now, we here at Horseshoe Heroes certainly aren't advising you potentially waste your money by placing a bet on Indianapolis being next year's champions. Odds change a lot, of course, and are ultimately meaningless. No one can predict the future, and bookmakers exist to make money off of you, not the other way around.
But who expected the Seahawks to win the title game this season? Not oddsmakers. In reality, the Indianapolis Colts have as much as anyone else to win Super Bowl LXI before any offseason moves are made and players are chosen in the 2026 NFL draft. With a bit of magic, Indy's 7-1 start in 2025 could turn into a full season of greatness in 2026.
This probably means re-signing Daniel Jones and hoping he can have a Sam Darnold-type redemption arc. Maybe the team extends wide receiver Michael Pittman, saves a little money, and puts that toward bringing fellow receiver Alec Pierce back. Perhaps a second year under Lou Anarumo will mean the defense is a lot better. All of that is possible.
And all of that is just as possible as a person placing hard-earned money on a wager in hopes of winning the Super Bowl lottery. Likely, one should simply keep their money, maybe get a ticket to a Colts game, and cheer on the team to victory. It could be one of many next year.