Indianapolis Colts 2015 Schedule: Game-by-Game Predictions

The Indianapolis Colts 2015 schedule was finalized last week and it is softer than cotton. Based on the last year’s win totals, the Colts have the second easiest schedule in the NFL and will have back to back road games only once this year. Barring a major injury, the team should coast to a fourth straight playoff appearance. Here’s a closer look:

Week 1 kicks off with a trip to Buffalo to face the Bills. Last year’s Bills featured a solid defense and persistent run game. The team was doomed by its inability to get production from quarterback its quarterback position. Enter new head coach/defensive guru Rex Ryan. If anyone knows how to get a quarterback to reach his potential it’s….wait, never mind.

Colts 21, Bills 9

Up next is Ryan’s former team, the New York Jets on a Monday Night.The Jets are on the cusp of being an average NFL team with the return of Darelle Revis and the acquisition of Brandon Marshall. If rumors are true, this game could also feature Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota. If not, the assignment will go to former Texan Ryan Fitzpatrick. Either way, this is a winnable game as Andrew Luck avoids Revis Island

Colts 27, Jets 17

The quest for a 10th AFC South title begins in Week 3 when the Colts play the Titans on the road. The  Colts have won 12 of the last 13 meetings against the Titans. Anyone willing to pick the Titans in this one? Me Neither.

Colts 42, Titans 20 

The Colts host the perpetually rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars in week 4. The Colts have won the past four meetings by a combined score 134-30.

Colts 38, Jaguars 17

Week 5 brings a Thursday night matchup with the Houston Texans featuring Adre Johnson’s return to his old stomping grounds. The Texans are the only team with a legitimate shot to unseat the Colts as division champs, but considering Brian Hoyer is most likely going to be the team’s starter, the division could be wrapped up by week 10.

Colts 24. Texans 10

Week 6 brings the first real test of the season: a Sunday night date with the New England Patriots. Prepare to be bombarded with more talk of deflated balls than should be allowed by the FCC. DeflateGate (worst scandal name.Ever) took the world by storm and every mind-numbing detail will be brought back to the surface.If you don’t like listening to the media beat a story into the ground, this may be the week to take the family on vacation.

Patriots 30, Colts 17

The Colts play the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. The Saints will march into town with several new faces after their offseason purge. Drew Brees under center keeps this team in any game, but the jury is still out on if their defense will be any better than the squad that was torched all of last season.  

Colts 38, Saints 37

The NFC South Champion Carolina Panthers are the opponents in Week 9. The Panthers made the playoffs last year with a dominating record of 7-8-1. The team hasn’t made many significant upgrades this offseason to the offensive line, so Cam Newton may likely spend the season running for his life. Again.

Colts 21, Panthers 13

Luck-Manning Bowl IV takes place in Indy in what could Peyton Manning’s last game vs. his former Luck leads the on field rivalry 2-1 while Manning is ahead in the annoying commercial battle one million to two.

Broncos 31, Colts 24

After a bye in week 10, The Colts take on the Falcons in Atlanta. This could be a shootout as the Falcons have the weapons to score on anyone. Unfortunately, those weapons are rarely  healthy enough to suit up week in and week out.

Colts 31, Falcons 28

The NFC South victory tour culminates with a Week 12 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that we assume will feature Jameis Winston. Winston may one day become a great quarterback (I doubt it), but even if he does it won’t be in his rookie year  

Colts 28, Bucs 14

The Steelers are the opponent in week 13. The last time these two played,Ben Roethlisberger threw for 522 yards and 6 touchdowns. If the Colts can’t stop Antonio Brown from catching 10 of the 13 passes thrown his way, it could be a repeat performance.

Steeler 27, Colts 24

The Jaguars are back on the schedule in week.As mentioned before these, contests haven’t been close lately. However, at this point in the season maybe Blake Bortles  and Julius Thomas will have built up enough chemistry to keep things close.

Colts 27, Jaguars 20

The Colts host the Texans for the 14th time in week 15. The team has won all previous 13 home matchups. Unless Arian Foster runs for 300 yards,the streak continues.

Colts 23, Texans 14

Week 16 brings a trip to South Beach for the Colts when they take on the Dolphins. The colts offensive line had issues keeping Luck protected last season. Fortunately for the Colts, Luck runs with the grace of a gazelle being chased by a tiger. Still, it would be wise to get those issues cleared up before this game. Ndamokung Suh and the rest of the Dolphins front defensive unit are dangerous.

 Dolphins 17, Colts 13

The Colts end the regular season at home against the Titans, who will likely be in contention for another top 10 draft pick. The only drama in this game will come if the Colts rest their starters for the playoffs.

Colts 24, Titans 17

Final Record: 13-3