The Indianapolis Colts have a shot to win the AFC South. However, such a feat will be difficult, but not impossible, to accomplish.
Indianapolis had a disastrous 2022 campaign, finishing with a 4-12-1 record. While they were expected to improve a bit this year, no one figured they’d be playing for the AFC South lead as late as Week 16. Nonetheless, the 8-6 Colts are currently tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans for the best record in the division.
They’ve doubled their win total from a year ago. That’s certainly impressive, seeing that they’ve been hampered by key injuries and suspensions.
Can the Indianapolis Colts Win the AFC South?
Trevor Lawrence and CJ Stroud’s Injury Status
Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Houston’s C.J.Stroud are the two best quarterbacks in the AFC South right now. Both stars have dealt with concussions lately.
Lawrence suffered the concussion during the Jaguars recent 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The former Clemson star didn’t practice this Wednesday or Thursday, but he did so on Friday. He was recently cleared for Sunday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he might not be at full strength. He has started 48 consecutive contests, tying Patrick Mahomes for the league’s second-longest active streak among quarterbacks. Josh Allen has started 85 consecutive games for the Buffalo Bills.
Meanwhile, Stroud has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. This will be the second consecutive game that the rookie sensation has missed. He suffered a concussion versus the New York Jets during Week 14.
Colts fans should not be happy about Stroud and Lawrence’s injuries. Yet, the Texans playing without Stroud and the Jaguars possibly playing with a less efficient Lawrence gives Indianapolis a better chance at winning the division.
Colts Have What It Takes
This has been an unbelievable season for the Colts. The team currently owns the AFC’s No. 7 playoff seed and could very well win their division. They lost franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder injury back in Week 5. Plus, star running back Jonathan Taylor has been in and out of the lineup, and defensive tackle Grover Stewart missed six games due to a PED suspension.
First-year head coach Shane Steichen has done an amazing job with his new ball club. Under his leadership, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, who replaced Richardson, has had a very respectable campaign as the starter.
The Colts have the personnel needed to capture the AFC South crown. They possess talented players like Minshew, Zaire Franklin, DeForest Buckner, and Kenny Moore II. In addition, key injured players like Michael Pittman Jr., who has recently cleared concussion protocol, Taylor, and Zack Moss should return to the lineup soon.
The AFC South was formed in 2002. With Peyton Manning under center, the Colts dominated the division, winning in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. They won in both 2013 and 2014 during the Andrew Luck era.
Indianapolis hasn’t captured the AFC South since. It will be interesting to see if they can get the job done this year, ending a nine-year drought.
Main Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski – USA Today Sports
