The Indianapolis Colts boosted their chances of a good season in the draft, especially by getting top reviews from Day 2. But will the additions be enough to help the team get into Super Bowl contention? Here are the Colts’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release.
The Colts wasted a hot start last season, finishing on a seven-game losing streak after a red-hot 8-2 start. Injuries crushed the Colts’ playoff dreams.
But these predictions will be made by assuming no season-changing injuries for any of the teams. Because, as the Colts know, you can’t predict those things.
Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Dealing with Lamar Jackson is always a problem. And the Colts don’t figure to be NFL elite in terms of chasing quarterbacks.
If the Colts can run the football and eat some clock, they’ll have a chance. LOSS
Record: 0-1
Week 2 at Kansas City Chiefs
On the road against Patrick Mahomes, the Colts will face one of their toughest non-division tests of the season.
The problem will be the finish of the game. Mahomes figures to have a much better record in one-score games than he did in 2025. LOSS
Record: 0-2
Week 3 vs. Houston Texans
This will be Act I of the two best games in the AFC South this season. The Texans have hit the Colts hard, winning five straight in this rivalry.
Things should be close throughout this contest. And look for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones to make a big play in the final two minutes. WIN
Record: 1-2
Week 4 vs. Washington Commanders
Taylor might be licking his chops before this game even begins. The Commanders don’t figure to be great at stopping the run.
Of course, the Commanders have their own problem for the Colts in the form of Jayden Daniels. This one is a toss-up. So, go with the home team. LOSS
Record: 1-3
Week 5 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Even if Aaron Rodgers shows up, he’s already trying to protect himself with an exit strategy. He likely knows the Steelers are committed to a younger player at the QB position.
This won’t be an easy game if Rodgers is playing, but the Colts should be able to find a way to win. WIN
Record: 2-3
Week 6 vs. Tennessee Titans
This series has leaned the way of the Colts. They have won six straight games against the Titans. And they did it emphatically last year, crushing the Titans by scores of 41-20 and 38-14.
To keep that rolling this year, the Colts simply need to lean on running back Jonathan Taylor. The Titans won’t have an answer. WIN
Record: 3-3
Week 7 at Minnesota Vikings
With Kyler Murray now in a Vikings’ uniform, the team will have strong playoff aspirations once again. And the Vikings will provide trouble for the Colts because of Murray’s mobility.
This will be a game where home-field advantage tilts things in the Vikings’ favor. LOSS
Record: 3-4
Week 8 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Colts have struggled against the Jaguars in recent meetings. In fact, they’ve won seven of the last nine meetings.
However, there’s good news because the Jaguars tend to be inconsistent. That’s from quarterback Trevor Lawrence on down. And a key mistake will give the Colts the win. WIN
Record: 4-4
Week 9 vs. Dallas Cowboys
This is one of the more interesting inter-divisional battles for the NFL season. It will be brother versus brother as Colts WR Josh Downs goes up against Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs.
Unfortunately for the Colts, the Cowboys are a superior team overall. LOSS
Record: 4-5
Week 10 vs. Miami Dolphins
Every NFL team likes a chance to rough somebody up. And every NFL team that plays the Dolphins this year will have that shot.
Being at home, the Colts will run away early and coast in the second half. WIN
Record: 5-5
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Week 11 vs. Houston Texans
Remembering what happened in the first meeting, the Texans will be determined to get revenge. With their tough defense and home-field advantage, it’s going to be tough for the Colts to pull off the win.
This time, it’s CJ Stroud who comes through in the clutch. He’ll hit Nico Collins for the game-winning score in the final minute. LOSS
Record: 5-6
Week 12 vs. New York Giants
Sure, the Giants figure to be improved with John Harbaugh running the show. But having a new veteran coach won’t turn the team around in one season.
Look for a pair of critical turnovers by Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart to make a second-half difference in this one. WIN
Record: 6-6
Week 14 at Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles might not be a Super Bowl team in 2026. But with the current makeup of their roster, especially on offense, they will be in the hunt.
This marquee matchup should provide drama. But outside of the dome, the Colts won’t be able to find a way to win. LOSS
Record: 6-7
Week 15 at Tennessee Titans
The Titans have struggled to contain Taylor in recent matchups. That’s going to happen again here.
Look for this to be a big game for Jones and WR Alec Pierce. It should be a blowout for the Colts. WIN
Record: 7-7
Week 16 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Having good players in the secondary matters against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. And the Colts have that in Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward.
This should be a really nice matchup. Look for the Colts to win it in the fourth quarter. WIN
Record: 8-7
Week 17 at Cleveland Browns
There’s a big quarterback issue with the Browns. Whomever they put behind center, it’s going to be a long season.
And the Colts will be more than happy to hit the road and chalk up a win as they strive for the playoffs. WIN
Record: 9-7
Week 18 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This looks like a year where the Colts will sweep the Jaguars. There’s enough defense for the Colts to slow down Lawrence.
And the Colts’ offense should have its way as this game moves along. WIN
Record: 10-7
The final analysis
With a record of 10-7, the Colts will be in the playoff hunt right to the end. And it’s not out of the question for that record to be good enough to win the AFC South. However, the Texans figure to be a notch better. So it’s more likely to be a Wild Card chase for the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts boosted their chances of a good season in the draft, especially by getting top reviews from Day 2. But will the additions be enough to help the team get into Super Bowl contention? Here are the Colts’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release.