The Indianapolis Colts have been absent from the playoffs for quite some time, but this season, things could change.
Colts Named Among Teams Likely To End Playoff Drought in 2026
The NFL published a list of teams most likely to end their playoff drought in 2026. Among those teams were the Indianapolis Colts, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, but they were ranked second out of seven total. Some of the other teams included the Atlanta Falcons, not making the playoffs since 2017, and the New Orleans Saints, who also haven’t been to the playoffs since 2020.
The Last Time The Colts Were In the Playoffs
The last time the Colts were in the playoffs was during the 2020 season, where they concluded the regular season with an 11-5 record and 2nd in the AFC South, behind the Tennessee Titans. The Colts did well as it pertained to putting points on the board, as they had 14 regular-season games where they scored 20 or more points. Their best wins of the season include a Week 8 victory against the Detroit Lions, where they won 41 to 21, and a Week 11 victory where they defeated the Green Bay Packers and eventual league MVP Aaron Rodgers in a 34-31 overtime game. Indianapolis was led by former Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers. In 2020, Rivers threw for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns to 11 interceptions with a 97.0% passer rating. Indianapolis actually brought Rivers back in 2025 due to the injury of Daniel Jones.
The Colts got to the Wild Card round and went against the Buffalo Bills but lost 24-27 to Josh Allen and company. Some believe that the Colts were a few plays away from winning the game, but a few miscues and turnovers determined it.
Colts 2025 Season Overview
Indianapolis started the season off well, winning eight of its first 10. They could have defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, but they lost 27-20. But if a few plays go a different way, then it could have been different. But things went negative for the Colts, as their quarterback, Jones, tore his Achilles in Week 14 against the nJacksonville Jaguars. They lost that game 19 to 36. They also lost seven games of the year and missed the playoffs, placing third in the AFC South. The Colts lost multiple games by three or more points.
Can The Colts Make The Playoffs in 2026?
One of the main factors for the Colts’ possible playoff run in 2026, is the health of quarterback Jones is still recovering from an Achilles injury, but seems to be healthy going through the off-season program and mini camp. They still have Anthony Richardson pending a possible trade, they also have Riley Leonard and Easton Stick. The offense still has weapons like tight end Tyler Warren. who led rookies in receiving yards for tight ends in 2025. Wide receiver Alec Pierce is recovering from an Ankle injury but they still have Josh Downs, Deion Burkes and others.
The defense got better in the off-season with the Colts drafting linebacker C.J. Allen in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft and safety AJ Haulcy in the third round of the same draft.
Indianapolis has a .465 strength of schedule in 2026 which is tied for 28th in the NFL. They have a chance to get to the playoffs and maybe win the division but the competition is tough in the AFC South with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, who went 13-4 last year with a playoff appearance and the Houston Texans, who went 12-5 in 2025, with a playoff appearance.
The Colts strength of schedule, or lack thereof, is an advantage for them but it’s up to Coach Steichen and the rest of team to capitalize on that and win close games. Will the Colts make the playoffs in 2026?
