Colts schedule 2024: Dates & times for all 17 games, strength of schedule, final record prediction

The smells of freshly manicured lawn, sunscreen, and bug spray can mean only one thing: football season is around the corner.

We're about four months from the start of the NFL's regular season. Then again, that's not quite how football diehards calculate time. Rather, we're in the midst of rookie minicamp, one week out from the spring league meeting, 10 days from OTAs, and so on and so forth.

For the Indianapolis Colts, the 2024 season represents changing tides. Last year was a fairly successful campaign for Indy, who posted a 9-8 record and fell just short of a playoff spot despite losing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) four games into the season.

All-Pro Jonathan Taylor struggled with injury, while the Colts' defense struggled to contain opposing offenses on the ground for much of the season. Still, fueled by solid play from backup Gardner Minshew and a resurgent effort by star wideout Michael Pittman (109 catches, 1,152 yards, four touchdowns), Indianapolis kept itself in postseason convention up until the very end.

Minshew is out the door, having cashed in on his impressive showings with a likely starting gig in Las Vegas. In his stead is the former No. 4 pick Richardson, who quietly posted a 3-1 record in his first four starts.

There's plenty to be excited about regarding Indianapolis' present and future. However, how will that cadre last in the gauntlet that is professional football? There's much to be considered in the following few months.

With that, here's what you need to know about the Colts and their impending exploits during the 2024 season.

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Indianapolis Colts schedule 2024

The Colts' schedule was unveiled as part of the NFL's schedule release on Wednesday, May 15. The teams they'll play for the 2024 season are as follows:

• Home: 49ers, Cardinals, Chiefs, Dolphins, Jaguars, Jets, Patriots, Titans
• Away: Colts, Dolphins, Jets, Lions, Patriots, Rams, Ravens, Seahawks, Texans

Six of the teams the Colts will face in 2024 reached the playoffs in 2023; four of those sides advanced beyond the first round, including the Lions, who fell in last year's NFC Championship game.

Indianapolis will clash with the Bills, Dolphins, and Lions at home and the Packers on the road.

Colts strength of schedule

The Colts' 2024 opponents went a combined 142-147 in 2023, a .491 winning percentage. That is tied for the 21st-strongest in the NFL.

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Colts prediction 2024

Colts Super Bowl odds courtesy BetMGM (+8000) 

Toughest tests: When gauging Indianapolis' 2024 regular-season slate, a few matchups stand out.

The Texans should prove formidable foes next season, with C.J. Stroud adding more arrows to his already glittering arsenal in the form of Joe Mixon, Stefon Diggs, and a healthy Tank Dell. Stroud enters the campaign as a legitimate MVP contender, and if Houston is able to keep the momentum following a successful debut season under DeMeco Ryans' helm, it could be a daunting threat for all who face it, particularly in its own division.

The Lions also look poised to compete atop the NFL's totem pole in 2024. Jahmyr Gibbs looked wonderful despite receiving limited carries in his maiden professional season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see head coach Dan Campbell let him off the leash in Year 2. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta were All-Pro caliber players in 2023. It's not crazy to believe they could recreate such production in the new year. Jared Goff is as steady as they come, and Detroit's defense is fierce. If you're an Indianapolis fan, expect a dogfight during that matchup.

Buffalo has lost a little luster since parting ways with Diggs. However, when you have Josh Allen, you have a chance. The Winter Soldier hasn't lost a game played in a dome yet, recording 1,728 yards and 14 touchdowns to six interceptions in seven games — not a pretty sight if you are of a Hoosier persuasion.

Don't sleep on the Jets, either. Despite limping to a 7-10 record in 2023, New York is teeming with talent in the form of Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Quinnen Williams, and, most significantly, Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers is even close to his pre-Achilles-injury best, New York could put the hurting on a Colts squad still finding its footing.

Lastly, the Dolphins flattered to deceive at points during 2023. However, they're high-octane, efficient, and only getting better (at least, on the offensive side of the ball), adding Odell Beckham Jr. to an already menacing receiving core.

Biggest breaks: Indianapolis received quite the reprieve in terms of road games. The Colts will face just two teams that made the postseason last year and should be able to clean up on the Titans, Patriots, Broncos, Giants, and Vikings — all sides that look destined to be fighting near the bottom of the pack.

Bottom line: The Colts find themselves in limbo in 2024, uncertain of their prospects as they return the keys to their offense to a raw but highly touted youngster who started just four games last season.

Taylor and Pittman are as good as they get at their respective positions. So, too, is Quenton Nelson, who should be able to quell pass-rushers' ability to get to Richardson. However, it's hard to gauge quite where Indianapolis stands in the frantic carousel that is the NFL — at least, not until Richardson gets some more reps.

Record prediction: 7-10