The beginning portion of the schedule lines up nicely for the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts dig themselves into a hole every single year. Not only have they lost their week one game for the past decade, they tend to lose many others to start out the season. Some years they can put it together in the second half and make a run at the postseason. The issue is, there is no longer any margin for error. One loss is devastating and boots the team out of contention for any postseason accolades. This year could be different. This could be the year the Colts finally start out hot.
Week one is the toughest. The Colts have come out flat the last ten years and facing the reigning AFC South champs won’t be easy. The Texans are good and have an up and coming star in C.J. Stroud. The Colts have two advantages in this one: the return of Anthony Richardson and playing at home. Not only are they home in week one but they play three out of their first four in the friendly confines of Lucas Oil. It will be as crucial as ever to win early as four out of the next five find the team on the road.
If they can beat the week one losing streak against the Texans, things should be easier. They won’t face Jordan Love in Green Bay after he suffered a knee injury against the Eagles. Luckily for the Packers, Love will only miss 3-6 weeks. Luckily for the Colts, they get to face a backup in their first road game of the year.
The Bears come to town in week three and will bring a large fanbase with them. Due to proximity, the fact that the teams play in Indiana once every eight years, and their new rookie in Caleb Williams, expect more than their fair share of fans. The Bears have gotten better, but they are no one’s Super Bowl pick. Seeing Williams early in the season before he has a chance to get comfortable could be fortunate.
I am not sure what to make of the Steelers. Russell Wilson is banged up, but for now, he appears to be the starter. If the Steelers get last year’s version, good luck. The Colts handled the Steelers last year, which was a welcomed sight considering the issues they have had in the past with that team. I think a mini streak could develop, and the Colts can make it two in a row.
It all starts tomorrow. Losing week one won’t be the end of the world, but the Colts finally have a chance to do something they don’t normally do; work from a place of strength instead of spending the season chasing teams down and hoping they lose. They need to set the tone early and use home field as a huge advantage. If they could find a way to win at least three out of the first four, they will be sitting pretty as we move into the season. Let’s hope they can take care of business.
