DraftKings has set the stage for the 2026 NFL season with its over/under win totals, and the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in an intriguing position. After missing the playoffs for five straight years, the Colts are looking to turn things around, despite a rollercoaster 2025 season where they started 8-2 but stumbled in the second half.
Inside the Colts' camp, there's a strong belief that their early 2025 performance can be replicated, provided they steer clear of major injuries. Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen remain at the helm, and it seems Daniel Jones will be back under center. However, that doesn't mean the offseason will be quiet.
The Colts are eyeing changes, particularly with some veteran players whose futures may be uncertain if the team seeks to free up salary cap space. On the defensive front, there's a clear need for a revamp. Ballard has emphasized the importance of injecting "more fuel" into the defensive line and prioritizing youth and speed across the board.
DraftKings has pegged the Colts' win total at 8.5, a reflection of their recent 25-26 record over the past three seasons. It's a fair assessment, considering the ups and downs they've experienced.
For those curious about the Colts' 2026 opponents and how they stack up in terms of schedule strength, that information is available elsewhere. Meanwhile, here's a look at the projected win totals for the rest of the league:
- Arizona Cardinals: 4.5 wins
- Atlanta Falcons: 6.5 wins
- Baltimore Ravens: 10.5 wins
- Buffalo Bills: 10.5 wins
- Carolina Panthers: 6.5 wins
- Chicago Bears: 9.5 wins
- Cincinnati Bengals: 9.5 wins
- Cleveland Browns: 6.5 wins
- Dallas Cowboys: 8.5 wins
- Denver Broncos: 9.5 wins
- Detroit Lions: 10.5 wins
- Green Bay Packers: 10.5 wins
- Houston Texans: 9.5 wins
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 9.5 wins
- Kansas City Chiefs: 10.5 wins
- Los Angeles Chargers: 10.5 wins
- Los Angeles Rams: 10.5 wins
- Las Vegas Raiders: 6.5 wins
- Miami Dolphins: 4.5 wins
- Minnesota Vikings: 8.5 wins
- New England Patriots: 9.5 wins
- New Orleans Saints: 7.5 wins
- New York Giants: 7.5 wins
- New York Jets: 6.5 wins
- Philadelphia Eagles: 10.5 wins
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 8.5 wins
- Seattle Seahawks: 10.5 wins
- San Francisco 49ers: 10.5 wins
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8.5 wins
- Tennessee Titans: 8.5 wins
- Washington Commanders: 7.5 wins
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Colts to see if they can overcome past hurdles and make a push for the playoffs. With strategic changes and a bit of luck on the injury front, they might just surprise us all.