The Indianapolis Colts enter their 74th NFL season with high hopes for a turnaround
In short: As the Indianapolis Colts embark on their 74th season in the National Football League, the team faces a pivotal year. Under the continued guidance of general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, the franchise aims to break a five-year playoff drought and capture their first AFC South title since 2014.
The 2026 campaign marks a significant milestone for the organization, representing their 43rd year in Indianapolis and their 19th season calling Lucas Oil Stadium home. Following two consecutive 8–9 finishes, the team is under pressure to improve its performance. The leadership team remains stable, with Chris Ballard entering his tenth year as general manager and Shane Steichen beginning his fourth season as head coach. The primary objective is clear: return to the postseason and reclaim dominance within the AFC South.
Early season momentum has been a focal point for the squad. After an overtime loss dropped the team to an 0–2 start—the first such occurrence since 2024—the Colts faced a challenging nine-game losing streak that stretched back to Week 12 of the 2025 season. However, the team managed to shift the narrative by securing a victory over Houston, which served to snap both that overall losing streak and a five-game skid against their division rival. By Week 4, following a win against the Washington Commanders, the team had leveled their record to 2–2.
Individual milestones have also punctuated the early part of the season. Running back Jonathan Taylor achieved a notable feat by recording six total international touchdowns over the course of his NFL career, establishing a new record. As the season progresses, the team must navigate the complexities of the NFL schedule, which includes flexible adjustments for networks and game times during the latter half of the year. With Week 16 and Week 18 logistics finalized late in the season, the Colts remain focused on maintaining their competitive edge through the final stretch of the schedule.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 Indianapolis Colts season
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