Pundit Predicts Colts' Breakdown in New Power Rankings

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with mixed external expectations but immense internal pressure to produce a successful season.

They doubled down this offseason on what they thought gave them early-season success in 2025, re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce to multi-year extensions, while banking on further development from pass-catchers Josh Downs and Tyler Warren, and Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line getting back on track in the run game.

Defensively, the focus was on getting younger and faster, particularly in the front seven. The Colts let go of several veterans as they continued to remake the defense in coordinator Lou Anarumo's image.

Still, despite the Colts' changes, not everyone is convinced of their approach.

READ MORE: COLTS RB PREVIEW: Jonathan Taylor Stars, Who Will Back Him Up?

Nate Davis of USA Today recently put out his post-offseason NFL power rankings and placed the Colts 26th out of 32, ahead of only the Tennessee Titans (27), Cleveland Browns (28), Las Vegas Raiders (29), New York Jets (30), Arizona Cardinals (31), and Miami Dolphins (32). in 2026

"A Jekyll-and-Hyde outfit a year ago, one has to wonder − if Indy remains on the Hyde track, newly extended QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce are unlikely to be 100% entering the season − if RB Jonathan Taylor becomes the prize of this year's trade deadline," Davis wrote.

There are valid questions about Jones and Pierce, but even if they are not 100% come Week 1, it's hardly a reason the season would tank.

Jones' greatest strengths on the field come from his preparation and mental acumen. He's athletic and normally moves well, which helps him make big plays, but executing head coach Shane Steichen's offense is what he did well last year. His likely step back in explosion while he recovers from December Achilles surgery shouldn't hold the team back that much.

READ MORE: Worst-Case for Colts' Defense? A Recurrence of Last Year

As for Pierce, if he's on the field in Week 1, then he should still be effective. He's no longer locked into the "deep threat" box now that he's the team's WR2, but even if he was, he led the NFL in yards per reception last year while playing through the ankle injury that necessitated the surgery in the first place.

Predicting the Colts to miss the playoffs, or even finish below .500, is entirely valid; they haven't made the postseason since 2020 and have finished below .500 in three of the last four years. However, being the seventh-worst team in the NFL is perhaps a bit harsh.

For consideration, Davis is typically low on the Colts. At this time last year, he had the Colts ranked 30th in the power rankings and then gave them a record prediction of 4-13. They reached four wins by Week 5 and doubled it by Week 10.