Amid a three-year playoff drought, the Indianapolis Colts have a lot to prove in 2024.
The optimism is relatively high for the Colts, who were one game away from reaching the postseason last year. Had they won the Week 18 game against the Houston Texans, it would have been their first division title since 2014.
In the eyes of Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Colts may not be the favorites to win the division, but they shouldn't be counted out.
The Colts are lurking as a dark horse in the AFC South under second-year coach Shane Steichen, and the lines are a good reason to take that threat seriously. Over his seven seasons in charge, Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard has poured resources into both areas, and this feels like it should be a year for all of that to pay off.
Without a doubt, the biggest key for the Colts will hinge on the development and success of quarterback Anthony Richardson. They will go as far as he can take them.
MORE: 5 Colts players with something to prove in 2024
That seems like a lot of pressure for a player with four career starts under his belt, but the Colts are optimistic they can compete at a high level, especially after what they did with Gardner Minshew in 2023.
The division won't be an easy take, though. The Texans are a fast-rising team while the Jacksonville Jaguars led the AFC South for the majority of the 2023 season before crumbling during the second half.
The Colts can be right in the mix again for the division, which should make for a fun storyline throughout the upcoming cmapaign.
For the best and latest Indianapolis Colts news and analysis, check out our team home page every day.
