It is presumably a make-or-break year for the current iteration of the Indianapolis Colts under Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen after another missed postseason appearance in 2025.
The Colts were one of the hottest teams in football throughout the first half of last season, but ended the year on a seven-game losing streak. Things really began to spiral when Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 14.
The Colts ultimately ended the season in disappointing fashion with an 8-9 record despite an extremely promising start to the year.
To overcome their five-year playoff drought, the Colts will need to bounce back in authoritative fashion this year. However, the early odds may not be in their favor.
Indianapolis has just a 35.2% chance at making the playoffs this season, according to Pro Football Network. Overall, this ranks 21st among NFL teams.
Indianapolis will enter the season with a plethora of new faces on both sides of the football as well. The Colts signed veteran defensive ends Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in hopes of providing a boost to the defensive line, while also signing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to bolster their depth in the wide receiver room.
In total, GM Chris Ballard made 10 outside additions during the free agency period, while a number of key starters and contributors from past seasons, including Kenny Moore, Michael Pittman, and Zaire Franklin, are no longer with the team.
With all of this roster turnover, the question that still hangs over this Colts team is how much have they improved this offseason? Jones regaining last season’s form will be a must.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What are Colts early projected playoff chances for 2026 season?
Reporting by Jake Boico, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
