Now that we know what the Indianapolis Colts’ 2026 NFL schedule looks like, let’s highlight some of the important games this season.
Based on their opponents’ projected win totals, the Colts’ strength of schedule ranks ninth in the NFL. This includes playing just four playoff teams from the 2025 season.
But going beyond who the Colts play, how the schedule shakes out can impact the difficulty of it as well. Some other elements to be on the lookout for when it comes to the schedule include any extended home or road stretches, any cross-country trips that are close together, any stretches of games against top-tier opponents, and when the bye week is.
Let’s take a closer look at some key matchups with our schedule superlatives.
Must win game: Any one of the first three games
The Colts start the season with a brutal stretch of games against Baltimore, Kansas City, and Houston. Pick whichever one you’d like, but they have to win at least one of those matchups to prevent the season from getting off to a rough start.
Most difficult stretch: Weeks 1 through 5
After playing Baltimore, Kansas City, and Houston, the Colts then travel to London to face Washington. Then, rather than having a bye after that game, they are back on the road in Week 5 to face Pittsburgh. Just two of their first five games are played at home.
Stretch of games Colts must capitalize on: Weeks 15 through 18
The Colts need to close out the 2026 season strong. During this stretch, they face Tennessee, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. And while they close out the year against Jacksonville, that game is at home.
Most intriguing game: at Jacksonville in Week 8
Can the Colts finally end their winless streak on the road against the Jaguars? Indianapolis hasn’t won in Jacksonville since 2014.
Be careful: With the late-season bye
The Colts’ bye isn’t until Week 13, creating a grueling 12-game stretch to start the season before their first legitimate break. This also comes with an early-season trip to London on the schedule as well. If there are injuries or the season gets off to a rough start, there won’t be any reprieve in sight.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts 2026 NFL schedule: Must win game, toughest stretch and more
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
