2025 NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts Season Outlook, Schedule & Prediction

2025 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SEASON PREVIEW

OFFENSE

Entering year three, the Colts are still attempting to figure out what Richardson is.

Coming out of Florida, he was viewed as a project due to his raw skill but needed to improve as a passer. Richardson showed flashes as a rookie but has struggled with injuries over the course of his career. The Colts brought in Daniel Jones to compete with Richardson for the starting role.

While the Colts continue to figure out the most important position on the field, the offensive line has been rebuilt.

Indianapolis had to make up for the losses of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries as they both left in free agency. Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini will step into starting roles, leaving some question marks. Where there is not a question mark is at guard where Quenton Nelson continues to be one of the best in the league.

The Colts passed on a guard in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and opted to select Tyler Warren. The Penn State product was viewed as the No. 1 player at his position but was the second one selected, behind Colston Loveland. This benefits the Colts as they now get a tight end that is ready to produce right away.

The skill positions are in a good spot with Warren entering the mix. Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs are a strong duo on the outside while Jonathan Taylor is an elite back, when healthy.

The question comes down to the quarterback. Unfortunately for Colts’ fans, neither option seems like a long-term solution right now. That could change if Richardson finds consistency and a way to stay on the field.

DEFENSE

The defense for the Colts was among the worst in the league last season. The quarterback problems are at the forefront but Indianapolis knew that it had to improve defensively as well.

The Colts missed the most tackles in the league last season with 157. It does not bode well that EJ Speed left but Indy returns Zaire Franklin and Jaylon Carlies into starting roles in the middle of the defense. Speed was not the only big loss as others come in the secondary.

Julian Blackmon departed as well, which means Cam Bynum will take over this role after signing in free agency. Bynum will likely be slated next to Nick Cross. At cornerback, Charvarious Ward came over and is expected to be one of the leaders in the secondary. Ward is an improvement from Jaylon Jones, who will now act as the No. 2.

The Colts also made moves to improve the defensive line. This includes using a second-round pick on Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau. He will join Laiatu Latu and new starter Kwity Paye.

SCHEDULE

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 2: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 3: at Tennessee Titans

Week 4: at Los Angeles Rams

Week 5: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Week 6: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 7: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 9: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons (London)

Week 11: BYE WEEK

Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 13: vs. Houston Texans

Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 15: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 16: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Monday Night)

Week 17: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 18: at Houston Texans

Record Prediction: 6-11