The Indianapolis Colts are no longer a feel-good story or the “haven’t played anyone good”. They are no longer the young team “ahead of schedule”. At 8-2 and holding their ground at the top of the AFC, this team is officially in the conversation with the league’s heavyweights. Shane Steichen has engineered one of the NFL’s most consistent and efficient offenses. The Colts are the only team to score at least 20 points in every game this season. The run game is explosive. Daniel Jones has stabilized the quarterback room. And the trenches are controlling football games.
Then came the trade deadline. Indiana pulled off one of the most aggressive moves in franchise history, sending two future first-round picks and second-year receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets for All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner. Gardner brings a skill set that this defense has lacked for years. A true number one who can erase a side of the field, win in man, match in space, and give new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo the freedom to expand his coverage disguises.
The Colts’ identity is clear. Tough up front. Innovative on offense. Efficient in situational football. And now built to win in January.
Below is a full midseason breakdown and a realistic prediction of where this team is heading.
POSITION GRADES
Offense: A
Defense: B+
Special Teams: A-
Overall: A-
OFFENSE
Offensive Line: A-
Everything the Colts do starts here. Bernhard Raimann continues to play like one of the best young tackles in football and Quenton Nelson remains a tone setter on the interior. The unit has paved the way for one of the league’s strongest rushing attacks and has given Daniel Jones clean pockets to operate from. While individual PFF numbers vary week to week, the results are clear. This is a top tier line in both protection and the run game.
Tight Ends: A
Rookie Tyler Warren, drafted 14th overall, has already proven to be one of the steals of the 2025 class. His run blocking and physicality stand out, and his chemistry with Jones continues to grow. Mo Alie Cox remains a dependable veteran presence. This group offers versatility that Steichen has maximized in both personnel groupings and red zone design.
Running Backs: A+
Jonathan Taylor is back to elite form. His 2025 season has been marked by big runs, relentless contact balance, and explosive efficiency. The original projections of 2,100 yards and 31 touchdowns were exaggerated, but Taylor has absolutely played like an All-Pro and potential Offensive Player of the Year candidate. Trey Sermon fills his role well, but this backfield is driven by Taylor’s dominance.
Quarterback: B+ to A-
Daniel Jones has played within the structure, protected the football in key moments, and delivered when the Colts needed him. His numbers may not hit the 4,800-yard projection originally mentioned, but his command and poise behind this offensive line have been major factors in the Colts’ success. If he limits turnovers down the stretch, this grade moves into the A range.
Wide Receivers: A
Michael Pittman Jr. is as reliable as it gets. Alec Pierce has developed into a legitimate vertical and intermediate threat. Josh Downs continues to shine as one of the best young slot receivers in football. Losing Adonai Mitchell in the Gardner deal hurts depth, but this trio works seamlessly in Steichen’s scheme.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line: B+
Laiatu Latu has taken real steps forward and is beginning to show the disruption that made him a first-round pick. Kwity Paye remains strong against the run and steady as a pass rusher. The interior has been solid, though not dominant. With Gardner now in place, Anarumo can diversify pressure packages, which should elevate this front as the season progresses.
Linebackers: C
Zaire Franklin continues to pile up tackles and lead the group, but coverage consistency remains the biggest weakness on the defense. Depth is thin, and the athletic mismatch in passing situations has shown up at times. This remains a key offseason need.
Cornerbacks: A (with Gardner)
This was a B plus group before the trade. Kenny Moore II is still one of the best nickel corners in football and Jaylon Jones has held his own outside. Gardner changes everything. He is already playing at an All Pro level and gives this defense a true identity. With him locking down opposing WR1s, the Colts can expand their coverage disguises and lean on more aggressive concepts.
Safeties: A-
Cam Bynum has been a massive addition. Nick Cross is having his best season as a Colt. This group is versatile, disciplined, and productive. Anarumo’s use of them in rotations, robber roles, and red zone looks has been a bright spot.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A-
Rigoberto Sanchez remains elite. The Colts rarely punt because of their offensive efficiency, but when Sanchez is called on, he continues to flip field position.
Michael Badgley has provided stability after Shrader’s injury. His accuracy and poise give Steichen confidence in late-game moments. Coverage units remain solid.
PROJECTED FINISH
Record: 13-4
AFC South Champions
Top Seed in the AFC
Realistic projection through the final seven games:
Week 12 at Chiefs: Win 38-37
Week 13 vs Texans: Win 17-7
Week 14 at Jaguars: Win 24-21
Week 15 at Seahawks: Loss 28-21
Week 16 vs 49ers: Win 24-21
Week 17 vs Jaguars: Win 28-7
Week 18 at Texans: Loss 24-21
Final record: 13-4
PLAYOFF OUTLOOK
Divisional Round vs Chargers: Colts win 31-17
AFC Championship at Patriots: Colts win 27-24
Super Bowl LX vs Seahawks: Colts win 27-24
Michael Badgley drills the walk-off winner.
Jonathan Taylor cements his legacy.
Indianapolis raises the Lombardi for the first time since the Manning era.
PREDICTED SEASON AWARDS
MVP: Jonathan Taylor
Offensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Taylor
Rookie of the Year: Tyler Warren
Coach of the Year: Shane Steichen
All Pros: Taylor, Warren, Raimann, Nelson, Gardner, Bynum
Pro Bowlers: Pittman, Pierce, Downs, Latu, Franklin, Sanchez
More from The Blue Stable:
Calculated Aggression: Why the Sauce Gardner Trade Redefines Colts Defense
