Colts 2024 NFL Power Ranking Revealed

The Indianapolis Colts fell short of the AFC South championship and playoffs with a 9-8 record.

While their season ended in week 18 with a loss to the Houston Texans, Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis coaching staff catapulted this team past nearly all projections.

In ESPN's recent article "Early NFL Power Rankings 2024," the Colts hit the 15th slot, putting them in the top half of the league.

Just in front is the divisional foe Jacksonville Jaguars (14th), while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit behind Indy at 16th.

ESPN's Colts reporter Stephen Holder had the breakdown.

2023 record: 9-8

Offseason in three words: Down to business

The Colts showed they have the ability to compete for a division title now, and not later, with a surprising nine-win season. So with the expected return of Anthony Richardson at quarterback, and with a roster that fell just one win shy of the AFC South crown, it's time for the Colts to bolster their weaknesses with the goal of taking the next step. This is also not the time to take chances with their key free agents, like WR Michael Pittman Jr., CB Kenny Moore II and NT Grover Stewart -- each of whom is vital to their future success. -- Stephen Holder

Holder is on the money here. The Colts are ready to push for the AFC South championship right now, which includes a playoff spot by default.

Even with a tougher division than expected, Indy has the tools to get it done. But now the Tennessee Titans (6-11; last in AFC South) have a bright young offensive coach in Brian Callahan to help develop second-year quarterback Will Levis. 

Callahan adds more competition and shows that this division has minds ready to win at head coach in Steichen (Colts), DeMeco Ryans (Texans), and Doug Pederson (Jaguars). 

Despite the competition in 2023, Indy nearly made a divisional title a reality with a backup field general in Gardner Minshew leading the offense for 13 starts in place of the injured Anthony Richardson.

Along with Minshew, Indy also had a backup running back in Zack Moss, a rookie fourth-round swing tackle in Blake Freeland, and a seventh-round starting cornerback in first-year player Jaylon Jones, playing meaningful snaps during the campaign.

However, these young players and reserves filling in didn't slow Indy down enough to finish with a losing record.

As Holder mentions, it's imperative for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., defensive tackle Grover Stewart, and corner Kenny Moore II to be inked new contracts.

Along with these big names, star running back Jonathan Taylor will also look to stay healthy from week one and on.

This could formulate a deadly combination with Richardson and Taylor in a Steichen-led offense out of the backfield.

The Colts still have a lot of room to mature and get more experienced. As long as Richardson stays on the field and Indy can avoid a plague of injuries, there are high hopes for what this young team can accomplish in 2024.