Riley Leonard
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CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Riley Leonard #15 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to handoff during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
On paper, the Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 season with one of the more balanced rosters in the league.
The front office has invested heavily on both sides of the ball, and it shows. Between Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Quenton Nelson, and Braden Smith, the offense has proven stars and stability. Defensively, the arrivals of Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum have addressed weaknesses in the secondary that plagued the team in recent years.
The Colts came in at No. 20 on Mike Clay’s preseason power rankings on ESPN. Yet for all the talent across the depth chart, one question still overshadows everything: can Daniel Jones provide competent, consistent quarterback play?
Daniel Jones’ Opportunity
Jones joined the Colts in free agency looking for a fresh start, and he got exactly what he wanted — the easiest path to a starting role. He beat out Anthony Richardson for QB1 duties in camp, and now all eyes turn to how he fits into Shane Steichen’s offense.
The strength of Jones’ game has always been efficiency and decision-making. He protects the football, works within structure, and can move the chains with his legs when needed. What he lacks is aggressiveness and a willingness to attack downfield, which could limit the potential of an otherwise loaded skill-position group.
“Quarterback aside, the Colts arguably have a top-10 roster,” Clay wrote. “The defense looks pretty good (cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum were much-needed upgrades in the secondary), and the offense includes several difference-makers (RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Michael Pittman Jr., G Quenton Nelson, OT Braden Smith and first-round rookie TE Tyler Warren). If new starting QB Daniel Jones can give the team somewhat competent play, the Colts might surprise the league.”
No matter how much focus is placed on the passing game, this offense will run through Taylor. Fresh off a strong 2024 campaign and fully healthy, he remains one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. He has the burst to hit home runs and the toughness to grind out tough yards when the line gives him space.
Defensive Upgrades Could Pay Off
The Colts defense may not rank among the NFL’s elite, but it has the personnel to be sturdy enough to keep games close — provided the offense avoids three-and-outs that put too much pressure on the unit.
Ranked 20th in the preseason power rankings, the Colts are a true wild card. On one hand, the roster talent suggests they should be closer to the middle of the pack or even fringe playoff contenders. On the other, the quarterback position is the most important in football, and uncertainty there drags down expectations.
If Jones proves reliable — not spectacular, but simply steady — Indianapolis could easily outperform this ranking and flirt with nine or ten wins. If his conservative play limits the offense or if turnovers creep back into his game, the team risks another middling finish.
The Colts are built to compete right now, with difference-makers at nearly every position. With Taylor, Jones, and a reinforced defense, Indianapolis has the infrastructure to surprise. But until Jones proves it under center, they sit just outside the league’s upper half.