Predicting the Colts record this upcoming season

With the recent release of the Colts 2025-26 season schedule, I wanted to go out and put together a prediction on how each game is going to go and what the Colts final season record will be. Most "football analysts" usually play it pretty safe when predicting season records, as 99% of all record predictions oscillate between 9-11 wins, regardless of if the writer is covering the Chiefs or the Titans.

As a reader, I always find that slightly infuriating, so I'm going to put myself out there a little bit today. I can't promise that the Colts' final record deviate from the consensus, but I will add in a "Hot Take" for every game to spice things up a bit.

Week 1: Miami Dolphins @ Colts (0-1)

Winner: Dolphins

I could try and get cute with a score prediction, but guessing the winner 17 times is already hard enough, so I don't really see the point of doing that. This game will be close, as are most Colts games, but this one specifically. However, I think Tua's accuracy and the Dolphin's playmakers will help Miami edge out the Colts late in the game.

Hot Take: Daniel Jones is the starting QB

Week 2: Denver Broncos @ Colts (0-2)

Winner: Broncos

The game versus the Broncos last season was a pivotal point, with a pivotal play. It was a must win scenario for both opponents as they were in the thick of the playoff hunt. The Colts seemed to have the game in hand, and a long Jonathan Taylor run was about to put Indy up 20-7 going into halftime.

Unfortunately for the Colts, Taylor fumbled the ball inches from the end zone, deflating their momentum. The Colts would go on to lose 31-13 after giving up 21 points in the 4th quarter.

This time around, not much changes. The Broncos are on paper a more well-rounded team, and while the Colts will try to keep up, Daniel Jones & Co. will ultimately lose out to Sean Payton's squad.

Hot Take: Jonathan Taylor has a revenge game, rushes for 120 yards and 2 TDs

Week 3: Colts (1-2) @ Tennesse Titans

Winner: Colts

In classic Colts fashion, they start out slow and drop the first two games on the road. However, they seem to always find a way to evade the undesirable 0-3 record which rarely results in a playoff berth.

Facing a rebuilding Titans team commandeered by their new #1 pick, Cam Ward, the Colts secure their first win of the season, starting what is set to be a long rivalry against the AFC South's newest rookie QB.

Hot Take: Cam Ward throws for over 250 yards and 2 TDs

Week 4: Colts (1-3) @ Los Angeles Rams

Winner: Rams

The Rams have a similarly constructed roster to the Colts, and the latter team will have a chance to win as the NFL truly is a any-given-Sunday league. However, at the sport's most important position, the Rams simply have the upper hand. Stafford, Puka, and Williams prove to be too much for Jones and the rest of the Colts offense to keep up.

Hot Take: Jones is benched after this game

Week 5: Las Vegas Raiders @ Colts (2-3)

Winner: Colts

Richardson gets an easier matchup for his season debut against a retooling Raiders team. He does just enough to hold back the Geno Smith led Raiders and their shiny new running back, Ashton Jeanty.

Expect the Colts defense to be coming into form at this point in the season, as the team will have begun to gain comfort in Anarumo's scheme.

Hot Take: Richardson has a 60%+ completion percentage.

Week 6: Arizona Cardinals @ Colts (3-3)

Winner: Colts

I believe the Colts are a more well-balanced team, but this game could truly go either way. Both teams are projected to have a similar amount of wins next season, and the only major disparity comes down to QB play.

Murray has simply not played up to his potential the last few years, and I don't foresee him turning things around in 2025-26. Harrison Jr. could potentially take a major step forward and assist Murray in unlocking a new facet of his game, but simply put, I like the Colts to win this one at home.

Hot Take: Kyler Murray throws under 200 yards

Week 7: Colts (3-4) @ Los Angeles Chargers

Winner: Chargers

Herbert is, in my personal opinion, one of the most underrated QBs in the NFL. The Chargers haven't had lady luck on their side the last few years, but they do have a young franchise QB under center to go along with some very strong pieces on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

The Colts aren't at the point yet where they can compete with teams such as the Chargers at a consistent level. Steichen unfortunately loses to the team where he made his bones, in a game I don't think will be particularly close.

Hot Take: The Colts lose by 14+.

Week 8: Tennessee Titans @ Colts (4-4)

Winner: Colts

The Colts should, and will, sweep the Titans in the 2025-26 season. I understand that Cam Ward was the #1 selection in this past draft, and that the Titans have invested heavily to put Ward in a more ideal rookie situation; nonetheless, they are still one of the least talented teams in the NFL, and a revamped Colts team should make quick work of them.

Hot Take: Colts hold the Titans to under 17 points.

Week 9: Colts (4-5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Winner: Steelers

The Colts have had a one sided rivalry with the Steelers for the past few years, with the Colts being on a the receiving end of multiple losses. However, they seemed to be able to turn the tide last season, beating the Steelers 27-24. Despite besting them last season, I don't forsee the Colts repeating the feat. The Steelers are the favorites to sign Aaron Rodgers (+125), and while the superstar QB is a shell of his former self, I believe it will be enough to push them past the Colts.

Hot Take: Richardson will throw 2 INTs.

Week 10: Atlanta Falcons @ Colts (5-5) in Berlin

Winner: Colts

In traditional Colts fashion, the team continues to do their dance around mediocrity, oscillating around a 0.500 record. In this case, they play their first ever game in Germany (in part coordinated by former Colts Björn Werner) against the Falcons were I predict they leave victorious. Penix Jr showed flashes his rookie season, and with weapons such as Drake London and Bijan Robinsion, he's slated to take a step forward in his sophomore season. However, the Colts with their revamped defense will prove to be too much for the no-so-young QB.

Hot Take: Josh Downs has 100+ receiving yards.

Week 12: Colts (5-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs

Winner: Chiefs

This game will be closer than most people might originally thing. At this point, both teams will be in postseason form, with both teams extensively grasping their respective playbooks. The Colts will still lose by 10+, but the game will be closer than the scoreboard reflects.

Hot Take: Mahomes will have under 250 yards passing.

Week 13: Houston Texans @ Colts (6-6)

Winner: Colts

The last 6 games will have 4 divisional games, making it the most important part of the Colt schedule. They'll get off on the right foot, beating Stround's Texans at home, most likely a team that will be ahead of the Colts in terms of seeding at this point in the season.

Hot Take: Colts offense combines for 400+.

Week 14: Colts (6-7) @ Jaguars

Winner: Jaguars

Curse remains unbroken.

Hot Take: Jaguars put up 50+.

Week 15: Colts (7-7) @ Seattle Seahawks

Winner: Colts

The Seahawks have shed multiple big-names this offseason (DK Metcalf, Geno Smith, George Fant), and retooled with some formidable players (Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp). Nonetheless, a career journeyman and an aging WR won't be sufficient to defeat the 2025 Colts.

Hot Take: The Colts play their most complete game of the season.

Week 16: San Francisco 49ers @ Colts (7-8) on Monday Night Football

Winner: 49ers

The 49ers had a down year in 2024-25, but they're one of the most storied franchies in the history of the league. With a star-studded HC & QB combo, the Colts will most likely lose on primetime.

Hot Take: Kyle Shanahan will outperform Shane Steichen

Week 17: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Colts (8-8)

Winner: Colts

The Jaguars have staked a substatial capital into their rookie, Travis Hunter, who they hope will pair well with Trevor Lawrence and BTJ in Duval. Jacksonville has a multitude of high-upside personnel, but they have struggled to put it all together in past season. They may be able to turn things around this season, but they're still a few years away from being a true contender.

Hot Take: Jonathan Taylor has his best game of the season when it matters most.

Week 18: Colts (8-9) @ Houston Texans

Winner: Texans

The season ends 8-9.....again. Most readers won't be happy with this prediction, considering that the offseason is a time for hopeful optimism. Unfortunately for us, the Colts have found themselves in multiple win-and-in scenarios throughout the last decade and they consistently fail to deliver. I don't foresee this year being any different.