Following the release of the Colts’ 2026 NFL schedule, we’ve examined the ins and outs of how it all fell for Indianapolis. This includes our four takeaways, the impact of having a late-season bye week, and the tough start to the season.
But what specific game is the most intriguing? We went through all 17 games and chose which game we believe to be the most interesting this season.
Week 1: Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
Not only will this be a good litmus test for the Colts to start the season as they face Lamar Jackson, but getting off to a strong start feels very important, given the challenge that the first five weeks of the season could present. After facing the Ravens, the Colts travel to Kansas City and then are at home against Houston. In Weeks 4 and 5, they are on the road against Washington — a game played in London — and then on the road the following week against Pittsburgh’s defense. It’s always good to start the year off with a win, but doing so this year also provides an added buffer in the midst of a difficult stretch. – Paul Bretl
Week 8: Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Colts will head to Jacksonville for a matchup with the Jaguars during Week 8 of the 2026 regular season. Indy hasn’t won a regular-season contest in Jacksonville since 2014, and the Jaguars were one of the hottest teams in football towards the end of the 2025 campaign. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense could quickly pick up right where they left off last season in Year 2 under Liam Coen, and the Colts will need to set the tone early on the road against a top AFC South rival. The Colts have lost 11 consecutive games on the road in Jacksonville, but Indy has the ability to flip the script this season nonetheless. – Jake Boico
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Most intriguing games on Colts’ 2026 NFL schedule
Reporting by Paul Bretl and Jake Boico, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
