The Indianapolis Colts are the Dark Horse of the AFC
At the beginning of the season, nobody batted an eye at the Indianapolis Colts. Last season, it was nothing but quarterback uncertainty and defense that did nothing but chase their own shadow. The offense was about the only thing keeping the franchise slightly alive, but even then, there was still lots of room for improvement. To make a long story short, 2024 was not the best year for the Colts. Or their fans.
That’s why when they entered the season with a huge blowout against the Miami Dolphins, winning a Week 1 game for the first time in over a decade, people were shocked. Then, in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, they win again? And Week 3, against the Tennessee Titans, they go 3 for 3? Someone pinch me because I must be dreaming.
This dream dates all the way back to April at the NFL draft when the Colts drafted tight end Tyler Warren, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, and cornerback Justin Walley. These picks, along with others, gave the Colts exactly what they had been missing last season. In addition to the draft, free agency brought in quarterback Daniel Jones, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, and cornerback Charvarius Ward, all proven veterans who would provide the stability this team so desperately needed.
Soon after that, training camp was in full swing, yet there was still no answer to the question everyone had been asking: which QB would be trusted to kick off the season? Throughout training camp, coaches sought a consistent and reliable choice, which ultimately became Daniel Jones over Anthony Richardson. Although coaches faced a lot of backlash, the hate came to a screeching halt after Week 1, and fans soon started referring to Daniel Jones as Daniel Dimes.
After 3 weeks of win after win, the Indianapolis Colts took the title of #1 in their division heading into Week 4. Their offense is ranked high among the best of the league on first down, allowing Jonathan Taylor to go after another team’s defense. With a 3-touchdown outing against the Tennessee Titans, Taylor reminded people he was not a force to be reckoned with.
As for defense, they matched that energy. They are ranked in the top 10 in the league in both yards and points allowed through week 3. Reshaped under a new coordinator, Lou Anarumo, the Colts' defense thrives on turnovers and disguised coverages.
Coming off a 3-week win streak high going into week 4, players and fans were given a dose of reality when the Colts lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 20 – 27. However, this loss does not erase the optimism this team has been building since the start of the season. Nobody could have guessed the legendary run the Colts were about to embark on heading into the 2025 season; for reference, the last time they won the first three games of the season was in 2009. So, while this loss might sting, not all hope is lost. They have already shown us that they are capable of completely dismantling teams.
One thing about this team is that they keep you on your toes, especially this season. Throughout this season, we have seen impeccable growth, as individual players and as a team. They have a steady quarterback, a revamped defense, and players who are performing better than ever before. While the Colts may not be a perfect, finished product yet, they are taking steps to get there, and as I said before, steady improvement is really all we can ask for. After just 4 weeks of the 2025 season, it is safe to say that the Colts are a dark horse in the AFC.