NFL analysts' bold prediction for Indianapolis Colts isn't bold at all

The expectations surrounding the Indianapolis Colts seem to be all over the place.

Some analysts view the Colts as a potential playoff team while others project them to take a step back. Despite being one game shy of a playoff appearance, it seems that notion has been lost in the mix of the offseason shuffle.

So when Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated made a bold prediction that the Colts will make the playoffs, it's a reminder of how it's really not that bold of a take at all.

People forget that Indianapolis was only narrowly out of the conversation a year ago, despite having lost starting quarterback Anthony Richardson early in the season. Now, a combination of Richardson and Joe Flacco will reload for 2024 with a slightly improved defense. If internal opinion matters, the Colts are higher on themselves than a mid-level politician.

To Orr's credit, he did admit that most forget the Colts were on the precipice of a playoff berth before their narrow defeat in Week 18 at the hands of the Houston Texans.

But considering they got to that point with Gardner Minshew under center for most of the season, it's a pretty incredible feat for a team with a rookie head coach.

There's a lot of projecting that goes into Anthony Richardson stepping into the starting role for a full season, but even in his four-game sample it was clear he provides much higher upside than a replacement option.

They upgraded the wide receiver room, added some high-upside depth at edge rusher and will finally get to debut the combination of Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. There are several reasons why the Colts can be better than they were in 2023.

Only time will tell whether this prediction is really that bold, but the Colts certainly feel optimistic about their chances to return to the playoffs.

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