‘Treading water’: Colts remain below average in many NFL power rankings for Week 8

(Updated with more information)

The Indianapolis Colts (4-3) would be in the NFL playoffs if they started today. They’re one of seven AFC teams above .500.

Their first two wins came against teams that currently have just two losses (Bears, Steelers), and their recent victories came in sloppy performances against struggling teams (Titans, Dolphins).

So are the Colts true playoff contenders?

They will find out soon. Four of the Colts’ next five opponents are at least tied for a division lead.

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Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated: 15th, up 1 place from last week

“I have a good deal of respect for Shane Steichen for shouldering the blame on Anthony Richardson’s recent performance but I think it’s clear to gauge his proficiency when removing Richardson from the equation. This year, Joe Flacco is fourth in EPA and CPOE composite among quarterbacks with a minimum of 125 snaps. Last year, Gardner Minshew had one of the worst completion percentage over expectation ratings (an average of -3.3 per game) and the Colts still outscored the Texans on the season and finished within a game of the playoffs.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 18th, up 3

“They are 4-3, but they haven’t looked that good in getting there. Yet here they are one game behind the Texans in the division as they face them this week in Houston.”

Frank Schwab, Yahoo: 19th, up 2

Most people would probably be surprised to see the Colts are over .500. They haven’t been impressive. The story of their season is Anthony Richardson’s struggles throwing the football. But they’re staying in the hunt, and presumably will get star players like Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner back soon.

Josh Kendall, The Athletic: 20th, unchanged

“Indianapolis is only one game out of the AFC South lead, which is impressive considering the play it has gotten from Anthony Richardson. The second-year quarterback entered the season with a lot of hype but is 32nd in the league in completion percentage (48.5), 29th in EPA per dropback (minus-.11) and has thrown twice as many interceptions (six) as touchdown passes (three). Richardson had a 59.2 passer rating Sunday but did add 56 rushing yards to help get Indianapolis past hapless Miami.”

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 20th, unchanged

“The Colts are treading water with a backup running game, as Anthony Richardson isn’t doing anything special, but the defense is now giving them more of a fighting chance.”

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: 18th, up 2

“As Anthony Richardson gets more reps, he’ll keep getting better.”

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 21st, down 8

“They’re 4-3 and have moved into wild-card position in the AFC. But Indy simply isn’t passing the eyeball test with sophomore Anthony Richardson, the league’s least accurate (48.5%) and efficient (60.0 rating) quarterback among those with at least 100 passes. (Though apparently the NFL likes what it sees, flexing the Colts into a Sunday night date at Minnesota in Week 9.)”

Stephen Holder, ESPN: 20th, unchanged

“Jaylon Jones was drafted to compete as a depth player, but he has been elevated out of necessity to the Colts’ top outside cornerback situation. The 22-year old, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2023, ranks fifth in the league with eight passes defensed this season. Jones has also created a “tight window” on 33% of throws on which he has been targeted, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s a respectable number for a long-shot player who has been asked to play a huge role in his second season.”

Dane Arlauckas, AS: 15th, up 3

“The Colts are the most under the radar team in the NFL. Their quarterback situation gives us the impression that this team isn’t a real contender in the AFC South, but they are just a game back of the Texans despite the questions surrounding Anthony Richardson. Richardson got the start, and completed just 10-of-24 passes as the Colts scraped by the Dolphins. It’s clear the Colts want their young QB to take the keys to the car, but Joe Flacco puts them in a better position to win now.”

NFL Week 8 schedule

All times ET

Thursday, Oct. 24

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

Sunday, Oct. 27

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

New York Jets at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)

Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)

Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock/Universo)

Monday, Oct. 28

New York Giants at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC/ESPN Deportes)

Colts 2024 schedule

all times ET

Sept. 8: Texans 29, Colts 27

Sept. 15: Packers 16, Colts 10

Sept. 22: Colts 21, Bears 16

Sept. 29: Colts 27, Steelers 24

Oct. 6: Jaguars 37, Colts 34

Oct. 13: Colts 20, Titans 17

Oct. 20: Colts 16, Dolphins 10

Oct. 27: at Houston, 1 p.m., CBS

Nov. 3: at Minnesota, 8:20 p.m., NBC

Nov. 10: vs. Buffalo, 1 p.m., CBS

Nov. 17: at N.Y. Jets, 8:20 p.m., NBC, Peacock

Nov. 24: vs. Detroit, 1 p.m., Fox

Dec. 1: at New England, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 15: at Denver, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Dec. 22: vs. Tennessee, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 29: at N.Y. Giants, TBD

Jan. 5: vs. Jacksonville, TBD