2025 AFC South Preview: Indianapolis Colts Football

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana  — The Colts prepare for a season that could define the careers of key figures on and off the field. Head coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard enter Year 3 and Year 9, respectively, of their tandem—both inching ever closer to the brink in a volatile NFL climate.

Quarterback Controversy: Jones Gets the Nod

The Colts shocked many by naming veteran Daniel Jones their Week 1 starter over third-year signal-caller Anthony Richardson. Jones, brought in on a one-year, $14 million deal, edged out Richardson after a training camp battle that revealed Jones’s steadiness and leadership. Steichen stressed his confidence in Jones, saying he doesn’t want to place him on a “quick leash” and expects him to be the starter for the season.

Richardson’s future in Indianapolis takes on a precarious tone. The 2023 first-round pick has yet to deliver consistency amid injury struggles, and the decision to sideline him could signal a turning point—and perhaps even an exit—if he fails to rebound.

Stakes Up Top: Hot Seats and High Tension

Steichen and Ballard face intense scrutiny heading into 2025. The Colts haven’t reached the playoffs in four straight seasons, and media outlets have placed Steichen squarely among NFL coaches under pressure. Fan patience is wearing thin: bold moves in free agency to fortify the defense and offense underscore the urgency to succeed.

Offense: Taylor Leads, Warren Debuts, O-line Holds Ground

Despite uncertainty at QB, the offense boasts stability in other areas. Jonathan Taylor—still recovering from injuries—remains a workhorse at RB with potential to dominate behind a reasonably strong offensive line.

New rookie tight end Tyler Warren (first-round pick) arrives in a passing game severely lacking production at his position. The Colts haven’t produced a 400-yard season from a tight end this decade; Warren is expected to start chipping away at that drought and offer a new dimension to the passing offense.

Defense: Secondary Reinforcements, Big Voids to Fill

In response to past deficiencies, the Colts invested big in the secondary, signing safeties and corners like Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum during the offseason.

Still, departures such as Dayo Odeyingbo and E.J. Speed have left noticeable gaps up front, while new contributors like J.T. Tuimoloau and others must step into larger roles quickly.

Realistic Expectations & Vegas Says “Under”

After a disappointing 8–9 finish in 2024, Indianapolis enters 2025 with modest expectations. Vegas currently pegs the win total at 7.5 games—suggesting a borderline season where every decision and injury could swing results.

Schedule Snapshot & Season Outlook

The Colts kick off at home against the strong Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7. Beyond that, divisional matchups in the AFC South will be defining, but the QB uncertainties shape a season fraught with risk.

Make-or-Break Moment for Colts Leadership

When all is said and done, 2025 could delineate a watershed moment for Indy. A successful season likely salvages Steichen’s and Ballard’s futures and validates a conservative pivot at QB. Conversely, failure—with no playoffs, no offensive identity, and Richardson’s talent going untapped—may trigger organizational upheaval.

Summary:

• QB: Daniel Jones starts; Richardson’s future uncertain.
• Head Coach & GM: Both on thin ice with fans and media.
• Offense: Taylor leads, new TE Warren expected to boost passing.
• Defense: Better secondary; losses up front to replace.
• Win Total: ~7.5 projected—mediocre baseline.
• Season Tone: High stakes; a pivotal year for Colts leadership and balance.