The 2026 Colts are gearing up for their team’s OTAs and mandatory mini-camp, and training camp sometime after. Quarterback Daniel Jones‘ recovery seems to be going well as it was reported by ESPN writer Stephen Holder that Jones is back to throwing after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in 2025. Indianapolis went 8-9 in 2025, missing the playoffs and concluding the season third in the AFC South division. But it remains to be seen whether the 2026 Colts can reach the postseason next season.
Can the 2026 Colts Make the Playoffs?
2025 Season Breakdown
The Colts started the season off by signing Jones, who became the starter for their week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins, which they won 33-8. Indianapolis got to a great start with an 8-2 record to begin the season. Some were considering the Colts as one of the best teams in the NFL at the time. They made major moves, trading for Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. Things were seemingly meshing well for Indianapolis, especially in the run game, as running back Jonathan Taylor was being recognized as a potential MVP candidate. Taylor had concluded the year with 1,585 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns to go along with two receiving touchdowns.
But then in Week 14, Jones suffered a torn Achilles and his season was ended. The Colts lost their last six games of the season also.
Will They Pull It Off?
The 2026 Colts can make the playoffs, but Jones will need to be healthy throughout the season. They have a good receiving core and a star at running back, so the offense can continue to do well. The defense does need to be better also. According to Fox Sports, the Colts ranked 23rd in Total Defense in 2025. They did have a really good draft especially on the defensive side of the ball, drafting linebacker C.J. Allen out of Georgia, safety A.J Haucy out of LSU, and edge rusher Caden Curry out of Ohio State, all in the 2026 NFL Draft. They still have key defensive players like defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and cornerback Chavarius Ward.
It’ll be tough for Indianapolis to win the division with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans. Both of which went to the playoffs. Jacksonville turned the franchise around, going 13-4 last year and getting to the wild-card round and Houston went 12-5, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round, 30-6.
Is it possible for the 2026 Colts to get to the playoffs? Yes, but it will be contingent upon the health and consistency of Jones and the defense improving.
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