The Indianapolis Colts dig themselves into a hole every year. Not only have they lost their first game of the week for the last decade, they tend to lose many others early in the season. Some years they can pull themselves together in the second half and make the postseason. The problem is, there’s no margin for error. A loss is devastating and knocks the team out of the running for postseason honors. This year could be different. This could be the year the Colts finally get going.
Week one is the toughest. The Colts haven’t played this well in the last decade, and it won’t be easy to face the defending AFC South champions. The Texans are good and have a rising star in CJ Stroud. The Colts have two advantages in this game: the return of Anthony Richardson and the home game. Not only do they have a home game in week one, but they also play three of their first four games in the friendly setting of Lucas Oil. Winning early will be as important as ever, as the team plays four of its next five games on the road.
If they can snap the Week 1 losing streak against the Texans, things should get easier. In Green Bay, they won’t have to face Jordan Love, who suffered a knee injury against the Eagles. Luckily for the Packers, Love will only be out 3-6 weeks. Luckily for the Colts, they will have to face a backup in their first road game of the year.
The Bears come to town in week three and bring a big fan base with them. They expect more than enough fans due to the proximity, the fact that the teams play in Indiana all eight years, and their new rookie Caleb Williams. The Bears have gotten better, but they are no one’s favorite for the Super Bowl. Seeing Williams early in the season before he has a chance to settle in could be a godsend.
I’m not sure what to make of the Steelers. Russell Wilson is banged up, but right now it looks like he’ll be the starter. If the Steelers get last year’s version, good luck. The Colts had the Steelers under control last year, which was a welcome sight considering the problems they’ve had with this team in the past. I think a little winning streak could develop and the Colts can get a second win in a row.
Tomorrow is the start. A loss in week one wouldn’t be the end of the world, but the Colts finally have a chance to do something they don’t normally do: operate from a position of strength instead of spending the season chasing other teams and hoping they lose. They need to set the tone early and use home-court advantage as a big advantage. If they can win at least three of their first four games, they’ll be in a good position to start the season. Let’s hope they can do it.
