The Indianapolis Colts haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. Will the 2025 Colts reach the postseason?
Lou Scataglia of NFL Spin Zone wrote an article about surprising teams that could make the playoffs. He listed the 2025 Colts as one of those teams:
“To me, there is only one way that the Indianapolis Colts make the playoffs in the 2025 NFL Season, but it’s not impossible – the Colts just have to find a way to get Daniel Jones to play like he did in the 2022 NFL Season with the New York Giants. On paper, Indy does have a solid roster with few holes. GM Chris Ballard finally spent some money in free agency, but the QB position has been an issue for years. The Colts aren’t going to be a contender or anything, but a modest nine or 10-win season could be on the horizon if head coach Shane Steichen is able to channel some of that 2022 Daniel Jones.”
It has been a while since the Colts were in the playoffs. Perhaps they’ll end the drought this upcoming season.
The 2025 Colts Were Listed as a Surprising Playoff Team
The Defense Should Be a Lot Better
Last season was disappointing for the Colts, who finished with an 8-9 record. The defense was one of the main reasons why the team struggled. Indy’s defense was one of the worst units in the NFL. They allowed 361.2 yards a game (29th in the NFL), and 25.1 points per game (24th).
As a result, the Colts moved on from defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and hired Lou Anarumo. This offseason, the team has re-tooled the defense. They signed free agents like Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, and Neville Gallimore. Then in the draft, they selected defenders like J.T. Tuimoloau, Justin Walley, and Tim Smith.
The new guys will join holdovers like DeForest Buckner, Zaire Franklin, and Kenny Moore II. If the Colts’ defense improves dramatically, they’ll have a much better chance at making the playoffs.
Will the 2022 Version of Daniel Jones Return?
Like Scataglia stated, the 2025 Colts need Daniel Jones to play like he did in 2022. That was the best year of Jones’ career. He threw for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. More importantly, Jones helped the Giants get a playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings. It was their first postseason victory in 11 years.
Scataglia is right. The Colts do need the 2022 version of Jones. It would give them a better shot at reaching the postseason.
However, Jones might not be the starting quarterback for the 2025 Colts. He’s set to compete with Anthony Richardson for the QB job in training camp. Richardson, whom the Colts drafted fourth overall in 2023, has a chance to win the job. He has struggled mightily since arriving in Indianapolis. But that doesn’t mean he can’t step up and have a breakout year. Whether it’s Jones or Richardson under center, the starter must play well.
The Colts are in the AFC South, which might be one of the league’s weakest divisions. With that said, Indy has a realistic chance at winning the division and finally making the playoffs. It should be an interesting year for the 2025 Colts.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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