The Indianapolis Colts are a believable longshot
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NFL football returns to the Circle City. Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
The Colts get their first opportunity to prove the doubters wrong this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Why it matters: Sunday's preseason opener against the Broncos is highly anticipated as the injury-plagued team that still managed to go 9-7 and fall just four points short of the AFC South crown last season appears to be in (mostly) good health for 2024.
Driving the news: While head coach Shane Steichen hasn't said how much time starters will spend on the field Sunday, he did release the team's unofficial depth chart for the game this week.
- Leading the way, and playing under the biggest microscope, will be starting quarterback Anthony Richardson.
- Arguably the most athletic QB in draft history when the Colts scooped him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, a shoulder injury sidelined the fan-favorite rookie in Week 5.
What he's saying: Richardson was positive about his progress when talking to reporters after Colts training camp last week. He joked that his only frustration is being picked off in practice by safety Julian Blackmon.
- "It's definitely easier to manage our offense now. I'm a lot more comfortable with the calls when Shane's calling them," he said.
Yes, but: The Colts haven't fully escaped the injury bug, and Richardson is down one important target as a result.
- Starting wide receiver Josh Downs suffered an ankle injury that may leave him out of action for a month.
- Making matters worse is that Downs was hurt while being tackled by safety Nick Cross during a 7-on-7 drill where physicality is usually avoided.
What we're watching: If our home team can hush the haters.
- NFL experts and oddsmakers don't have the Colts anywhere near Super Bowl contention and are unanimously picking the Houston Texans to take the division.
- But the fact that the 2024 Colts are healthier than the winning team they put on the field last year — combined with the "any given Sunday" nature of the NFL — means the boys in blue are a long shot worth believing in.
Flashback: Olympian Cole Hocker was a long shot from Indianapolis too. But that worked out pretty well during the 2024 Olympics.
If you go: Kickoff is 1pm Sunday.
- Tickets start at $11.
- How to watch: The game will air locally on Fox59, and nationally via the NFL Network or fuboTV.
What's next: The Colts' next two preseason matchups are Aug. 17 at 7pm against the Arizona Cardinals at home, and Aug. 22 at 8pm in Cincinnati to face the Bengals.
- Their 2024 regular season kicks off by hosting the Texans on Sept. 8 during Week 1.