Expectations around theIndianapolis Colts remain relatively modest going into the 2026 season.
A panel of 19 NFL.com analysts submitted its division and playoff predictions, and the Indianapolis Colts received just one vote to win the AFC South.
NFL.com’s Ben McWilliams was the lone analyst to pick Indianapolis. The Houston Texans dominated the voting with 15 selections, while the Jacksonville Jaguars received the other three.
Indianapolis was also absent from the panel’s AFC wild-card selections.
The Baltimore Ravens led that voting with 21 points, followed by the Denver Broncos with 19. The Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots tied for third with 17 points apiece.
Even Houston, which received the overwhelming majority of AFC South championship
votes, collected four wild-card points from analysts who projected a different team to win the division.
The skepticism comes after a dramatic collapse ended Indianapolis’ 2025 season.
The Colts entered their bye week at 8-2 before losing their final seven games and missing the postseason. Quarterback Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury played a significant role in the slide, and injuries also limited stars such as DeForest Buckner and Sauce Gardner.
Indianapolis will have a new shot to change the league-wide perception beginning in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts receive 1 of 19 votes to win AFC South ahead of season opener
