The Indianapolis Colts don’t currently have strong odds to make the playoffs (-245), let alone win the Super Bowl.
If you ask Vegas, the Colts aren’t likely to snap their playoff drought, which the franchise hasn’t made the playoffs since the COVID year of 2020, when longtime veteran gunslinger Philip Rivers was behind center for his lone season in Indianapolis (and really was the last consistently good starting quarterback for the Horseshoe).
The Colts have the 10th worst playoffs odds this year among
all NFL teams. Even the Jacksonville Jaguars (-210), who finished last year at 4-13, are projected to have more wins this upcoming season and be the superior team in the AFC South.
It’s hard to argue this one when the Colts recently named veteran Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback, and without an injury to their actual projected starter—as Jones is it, after besting 3rd-year pro Anthony Richardson this offseason.
Jones’ likely won out because of his command of the offense and better off-the-field study habits, rather than his actual production on the field, when Richardson arguably at least slightly outperformed him throughout training camp and preseason. He’ll have to be much better than he was at the end of his tenure in New York, and maybe with Colts head coach Shane Steichen and a stronger supporting cast, he can rediscover himself a bit out there.
If there’s reason for optimism, it’s that the Colts defense with a revamped secondary under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo could be much improved this year. However, if you’re more glass half empty, the Colts still have a major question mark at starting quarterback and lack elite players at the league’s premium positions.
Time will tell whether Vegas got this one right!
