Game-by-game predictions for Indianapolis Colts’ 2021-22 season

Envisioning where the Colts’ season begins and ends each step of the way.

Entering into an important season for the Indianapolis Colts, one with obvious playoff implications, how will the 2021-22 campaign go? Well, luckily for you, I’m dropping off my game-by-game predictions right here. What’s going to happen throughout the season? Where will the Colts finish in the AFC? I have all of these goodies ready for you.

Without further ado, let’s go ahead and dive into the Colts’ 2021-22 season outlook presented by. yours truly:

Week 1 — Seattle Seahawks = Loss

It wouldn’t be the start to a Colts season without a disappointing loss in the opener. The Seahawks are a true barometer for where Indianapolis could land in 2021-22. I hope I’m wrong on this, but I’m betting on the Seahawks’ aerial attack to get the best of Indy’s secondary. In a shootout, I’m going with Seattle in a closely-contested matchup.

Week 2 — Los Angeles Rams = Win

This is going to be such an entertaining game. With two high-powered defenses, this one will come down to who is more efficient with their offensive possessions. With Jonathan Taylor, I think Indianapolis holds the edge here. In a game where I imagine a slow-paced, ball control outing I’m going to lean in the Colts’ direction.

Week 3 — @ Tennessee Titans = Loss

The AFC South is a two-team race between the Colts and Titans. In their first matchup in Nashville, I’m going with the Titans. I see a split happening in the season series, so I’m going to give home-field advantage nod.

Week 4 — @ Miami Dolphins = Win

A game rip for a strong bounce-back opportunity, Indianapolis should feast on a young quarterback. Indianapolis makes an emphatic statement on the road pulling off the victory by double-digits.

Week 5 — @ Baltimore Ravens = Loss

Indianapolis falls back down to earth on a primetime stage. This was such a tough one to call, but exiting the early-season gauntlet with a 2-3 record is an okay scenario for the Colts. If they end up 1-4 or 0-5, that’s when it would be truly time to start panicking.

Week 6 — @ Houston Texans = Win

Easy game here for the Colts to flex their muscles on a team who could go 0-17. Houston is a train wreck, and Indianapolis takes full advantage. Colts roll here by 20-plus points.

Week 7 — @ San Francisco 49ers = Loss

Another primetime loss for the Colts, and again this could’ve gone either way. San Francisco is built similarly to Indianapolis in the trenches, but I’m curious to see if Trey Lance is starting at this point. In a coin flip, I’m going with the 49ers as the Colts enter next week at 3-4.

Week 8 — Tennessee Titans = Win

This is a must-win game for the Colts and they make it happen. In a raucous Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis wins over Tennessee as the AFC South race tightens down the stretch.

Week 9 — New York Jets = Win

Colts roll here over a Jets team that isn’t ready for the primetime lights just yet. In Indianapolis’ first home primetime game in years, the atmosphere will be electric. Colts stomp all over the Jets on Thursday Night Football.

Week 10 — Jacksonville Jaguars = Win

Trevor Lawrence’s first career game in Lucas Oil Stadium doesn’t end well. The Colts rattle off three wins in a row to begin to seize potential playoff momentum. Jacksonville keeps it close in the first half, but the Colts dominate late to win by double-digits.

Week 11 — @ Buffalo Bills = Loss

Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and I think he’s the difference here. Buffalo is the second-best team in the AFC behind Kansas City as they make their own statement victory against Indianapolis. The Colts now head back home for a Thanksgiving Weekend showdown with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay squad.

Week 12 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers = Loss

This will be such a fun game to watch. Potentially Brady’s last game ever in Indy, it’s going to be a hot ticket to get inside Lucas Oil Stadium. This game will be close throughout, but I’m going with the more well-rounded team in Tampa Bay to pull it out late. Now, the Colts will need to have a flawless close to the season to reach the playoffs.

Week 13 — @ Houston Texans = Win

Houston on the schedule couldn’t come at a better time if the Colts lose back-to-back against Buffalo and Tampa Bay. Indianapolis once again dominates the Texans as they regain momentum heading into a must-win final month.

Week 15 — New England Patriots = Win

Mac Jones’ era under center has officially begun in New England. In his first of many future battles with the Colts, I’m rolling with Indy to win this one rather emphatically. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Colts vs. Patriots rivalry surface again throughout the 2020s?

Week 16 — @ Arizona Cardinals = Win

This is one of the games I’m most looking forward to on the Colts’ schedule. Kyler Murray is one of my favorite players to watch in the NFL. He’s must-see TV. On Christmas Day, Indianapolis comes out on top thanks to their huge advantage in the trenches. I’m looking forward to watching this one in-person as well.

Week 17 — Las Vegas Raiders = Win

Another win for the Colts as they improve to 10-6 on the season. Vegas’ defense is suspect, and the Jonathan Taylor show should be in full effect throughout. Indianapolis rolls here by double-digits.

Week 18 — @ Jacksonville Jaguars = Win

A must-win game in Jacksonville during the final week of the regular season? Bring it on. The Colts win in a closely-contested matchup. Indianapolis squeaks in as a wildcard team at 11-6 following five straight wins.

AFC Playoff Standings

1. Kansas City Chiefs = 15-2
2. Buffalo Bills = 13-4
3. Baltimore Ravens = 13-4
4. Tennessee Titans = 12-5
5. Los Angeles Chargers = 12-5
6. Indianapolis Colts = 11-6
7. Cleveland Browns = 11-6

Wildcard Weekend = Baltimore Ravens (3) vs. Indianapolis Colts (6)

The Colts avenge their early-season woes in Baltimore by upsetting the Ravens on the road, which further cements the playoff narrative around Lamar Jackson. Jonathan Taylor shows throughout this game he’s a superstar running back, while DeForest Buckner and Kwity Paye dominate a banged-up Ravens offensive line. If Jackson has to beat the Colts through the air, I like their chances in a win-or-go-home situation.

Divisional Round = Kansas City Chiefs (1) vs. Indianapolis Colts (6)

The Colts’ rollercoaster 2021-22 season comes to a screeching halt once again at the hands of Patrick Mahomes. The Colts keep it close early, but, if this scenario were to occur, I think Kansas City finds their rhythm later in the game. Carson Wentz would need to be perfect for the Colts to make a deep playoff run, and I don’t see back-to-back weeks occurring.

So, there you have it, Colts fans. An 11-6 regular season followed by a playoff win in Baltimore, which leads to a loss in Kansas City. Would you be satisfied with that result for the 2021-22 season? Let’s see how right or wrong I am as the Colts’ season officially kicks off next Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.