Colts given concerning playoff chance for 2026 season

The Indianapolis Colts are aiming to finish what they started last season, but one projection remains skeptical. PFF gave Shane Steichen's team a 34% chance of reaching the playoffs. The model also assigned the Colts a 1% chance of winning the Super Bowl. PFF's Bradley Locker pointed to Indianapolis

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What is the story about?

The Indianapolis Colts are aiming to finish what they started last season, but one projection remains skeptical.

PFF gave Shane Steichen's team a 34% chance of reaching the playoffs. The model also assigned the Colts a 1% chance of winning the Super Bowl.

PFF's Bradley Locker pointed to Indianapolis' dramatic 2025 decline as a reason for caution.

"The Colts looked the part of giants early in the year but swiftly cratered, going from first to 27^th in EPA per play over Weeks 13-18," Locker wrote.

There is rationale for optimism, though, entering 2026.

Quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce both returned on new contracts, keeping together much of an offense that flashed big-time upside last season. PFF also described the unit as talented

and well-coached under Steichen.

The true iffiness may reside on defense, where Indianapolis finished 23rd in pressure rate last season and will be counting on several younger players to assume significant roles.

At 34%, PFF essentially views the Colts as an underdog in the AFC playoff race entering Week 1 — leaving Indianapolis a chance to outperform outside expectations quickly.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts given concerning playoff chance for 2026 season