The 2024 season promises excitement for the Indianapolis Colts, but NFL Network projections suggest they may miss the playoffs again. Despite a surprising run in the latter half of 2023, resulting in a .500 record even after losing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Colts are projected to fall short. The return of Richardson and the addition of promising players like AD Mitchell and Laiatu Latu generate optimism, but NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund predicts they will win just 7.9 games, below the Vegas over/under of 8.5 wins.
Frelund highlights a challenging mid-season stretch against teams like the Dolphins, Texans, Vikings, and Bills, followed by tough games against the Jets and Lions, making it difficult for the Colts to replicate last season’s four-game winning streak. However, she notes that the final four games are more manageable, with the Colts favored against the Broncos, Titans, Giants, and Jaguars.
Although the AFC South hasn’t been particularly strong recently, improvements in Houston and Jacksonville’s playoff contention increase the division’s competitiveness. Ultimately, Frelund’s projection of 7.9 wins places the Colts among the bottom five of the 32 NFL teams, likely keeping them out of the postseason.
