Scott HornerIndianapolis Star
There is NFL action tonight! The Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, pits the Chicago Bears against the Houston Texans.
NFL training camps are in full swing, and the Indianapolis Colts are preparing for the 2024 season at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.
The Colts are coming off a 9-8 season in which they narrowly missed winning the AFC South title. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is back from a shoulder injury, but they have lost Samson Ebukam — their sacks leader from last season — for the season.
Colts mailbag: What is going on in the secondary? What does it say about Chris Ballard?
Tracking Colts ratings in Madden 25: Updating team, player rankings as they’re released
Where are the Colts in NFL power rankings?
∎ David Helmon, Fox Sports: 21st
"Things look pretty good on paper in Indy. I've got concerns about the cornerback position, but for the most part, general manager Chris Ballard has a strong roster heading into 2024. Now comes the obvious part: The Colts' success largely hinges on Anthony Richardson building on his rookie flashes — and staying healthy while he does it. If Richardson is available and playing well, there's no telling how high their ceiling is. If not, this is probably a middling team."
AFC South: Houston Texans, 5th; Jacksonville Jaguars, 18th; Tennessee Titans, 24th.
∎ Frank Schwab, Yahoo: 17th
"The Colts suffered a big injury right away in camp, when edge rusher Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles. Ebukam had 9.5 sacks last season, a career high. It's hard for any team to replace that kind of production once camp starts. It puts a lot more pressure on first-round pick Laiatu Latu."
Texans, 8th; Jaguars, 19th; Titans, 27th.
∎ Raymond Summerlin, Sharp Football Analytics: 18th
"Indy mostly focused on re-signing their own players in free agency, which makes some sense for a young team on the rise. They also landed one of the best defensive players in the draft at No. 15 overall and followed that up with a wide receiver many expected to go in the first round. The development of Anthony Richardson will go a long way to determine whether this team can be a real threat in 2024."
Texans, 7th; Jaguars, 19th; Titans, 26th.
∎ Josh Kendall, The Athletic: 18th
"Entering his second season, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is 15th in the NFL’s MVP odds, according to BetMGM. His odds are as good or better than those of (Kirk) Cousins, Christian McCaffrey, Justin Jefferson and many more proven players. So it seems the betting markets are putting as much pressure on the young quarterback as the Colts, who seem to be expecting Richardson to be some sort of Superman despite playing only four games in 2024 before a shoulder injury ended his season. He averaged 144 passing yards and 36 rushing yards per game in his four starts, during which Indianapolis went 2-2."
Texans, 4th; Jaguars, 21st; Titans, 24th.
∎ Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: 18th
"Can Anthony Richardson stay healthy without compromising his playing style?"
Texans, 10th; Jaguars, 20th; Titans, 27th.
∎ Neil Reynolds, Sky Sports: 19th
"Don't sleep on the Colts. Even working with reserve quarterback Gardner Minshew for much of 2023, Indy won nine games and narrowly missed the playoffs. There is much excitement surrounding returning quarterback Anthony Richardson, who started four games as a rookie."
Texans, 5th; Jaguars, 17th; Titans, 28th.
∎ Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report: 18th
"I'm optimistic about Richardson's return from season-ending shoulder surgery, even though I do expect the second-year QB to experience some growing pains in 2024. It won't always be perfect, but the dual-threat signal-caller should have more highs than lows in a Shane Steichen offense that also features Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell. The big question is whether Indy's offense can help carry a defense that ranked 24th overall and 28th in points allowed last season. It may not, and the Colts may again be fringe contender, just as they were with Gardner Minshew under center last season."
Texans, 4th; Jaguars, 19th; Titans, 26th.
∎ Dakota Randall, Pro Football Network: 18th
"It’s all about Anthony Richardson. If the sophom*ore QB picks up where he left off before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, the Colts should push for a playoff spot. But if Richardson struggles, Indy could sink to AFC cellar-dwellers.
"The Colts are a boom-or-bust team, but fans should be optimistic about the future."
Texans, 7th; Jaguars, 15th; Titans, 27th.
When is Super Bowl?
Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2025.
Where will Super Bowl in 2025 be played?
Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Who will broadcast Super Bowl in 2025?
Fox.
