The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a tale of two units. Offensively, they were among the league’s more productive groups-finishing ninth in total offense, eighth in points scored, and seventh in yards per play.
That’s a strong showing, especially considering the noticeable dip in production during the back half of the season. Even with that late-season slide, the Colts' offense proved it could move the ball and put points on the board.
Defensively? That’s where the cracks showed.
The Colts ranked 23rd in total defense, 21st in points allowed, and 16th in yards per play. Not a complete disaster, particularly when you factor in the rash of injuries that plagued the secondary.
But the gap between the offense and defense is clear-and it’s exactly the kind of imbalance that becomes glaring when the postseason is on the line.
That divide was underscored by ESPN’s recently released list of the top 100 MVP candidates across the NFL. The Colts had three players make the cut-all from the offensive side of the ball.
Let’s take a closer look at who made the list and what it says about where Indianapolis stands heading into a pivotal offseason.
Three Colts Make ESPN’s Top 100 MVP Candidates List - All on Offense
In a 32-team league, landing three players in the top 100 puts the Colts right around the middle of the pack. That’s a pretty accurate reflection of where this team sits: competitive, promising, but not yet elite. What stands out is that all three of Indy’s representatives came from the offensive side of the ball, highlighting both the strength of that unit and the work that needs to be done on defense.
Here’s who made the list:
- Daniel Jones, QB - No. 45
Jones put together a solid campaign before an Achilles injury in Week 14 abruptly ended his season. At midseason, he was playing at a level that likely would’ve placed him much higher on this list.
Even with the injury and a slight dip in performance down the stretch, he still finished as the 12th-ranked quarterback. That’s respectable, though it’s worth noting he trails both Trevor Lawrence and C.J.
Stroud within his own division. The Colts now face a tricky offseason decision: how to manage Jones’ recovery timeline while maintaining offensive continuity.
- Quenton Nelson, LG - No. 63
Nelson continues to be everything you want in a franchise guard. Durable, dominant, and consistent, he’s the kind of player who quietly anchors a high-functioning offense.
He ranked as the third-highest guard on the list, behind Joe Thuney (No. 44) and Quinn Meinerz (No. 52).
Nelson’s presence is a big reason why the Colts were able to generate strong per-play efficiency, even as other parts of the offense fluctuated.
- Jonathan Taylor, RB - No. 91
Taylor’s placement might raise a few eyebrows. After all, he led the league in touchdowns and was a legitimate MVP candidate at the season’s midpoint.
But the list clearly didn’t weigh running backs heavily-Taylor was one of just six to make the cut. The top-ranked RB, Bijan Robinson, came in at No. 46-just one spot ahead of Jones.
Regardless of where he landed, Taylor remains a dynamic weapon and a central piece of the Colts’ offensive identity.
Notably absent from the list were rookie tight end Tyler Warren and center Tanor Bortolini. Warren flashed serious potential, but tight ends were largely underrepresented-only two made the list: Trey McBride at No. 20 and George Kittle at No.
- That’s not a knock on Warren as much as it is a reflection of how the position was evaluated.
Defensive Snub Highlights an Area of Need
No Colts defenders cracked the top 100, and while that’s not entirely shocking, it does reinforce the team’s biggest offseason priority. Laiatu Latu was arguably the defense’s brightest spot in 2025, but he didn’t stack up statistically to the lowest-ranked edge rusher on the list-Brian Burns, who doubled Latu’s sack total.
That doesn’t mean Latu isn’t a foundational piece. He is.
But beyond him, the Colts need reinforcements-particularly in the secondary, where injuries exposed a lack of depth and playmaking. General Manager Chris Ballard has built a reputation for drafting well and developing talent, but this offseason will require more than just a solid draft class.
The defense needs an infusion of proven playmakers.
The Big Picture
The Colts have a core on offense that can compete with anyone. A quarterback in Daniel Jones who, when healthy, can lead a high-efficiency attack.
A top-tier guard in Quenton Nelson who continues to dominate in the trenches. And a running back in Jonathan Taylor who can carry the load and break games open.
But if they want to take the next step-from middle-of-the-pack to legitimate contender-they’ll need to balance the scales. That starts with the defense.
Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or both, the Colts need to add difference-makers on that side of the ball. Because if the 2025 season showed us anything, it’s that this team has the offensive firepower-it just needs the defensive backbone to match.