Who does the colts play next

The Colts should've been a playoff team last season, that much is true. They were right on the doorstep of another postseason appearance — a victory against the lowly Jaguars in Week 18 would've sent them through.

Instead, they flopped. Indianapolis lost to Jacksonville 26-11. Quarterback Carson Wentz was poor, failing to reach the 200 passing yards against a porous Jags defense.

Now, Wentz is gone. In his stead is Matt Ryan, a one-time NFL MVP who is clearly past his prime but still appears to have a lot to offer. The Colts also have first-team All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor.

So, what does that mean for Indianapolis' chances in 2022? Well, not much. The Colts play in the AFC South, perhaps the NFL's worst division. They'll play the Jags and the Texans twice each; that should be four wins, if they play their cards right.

Is Indy one of the league's true elites? That remains to be seen, but with a fairly reasonable slate ahead, it should have enough to compete for a playoff spot this year.

Here is a complete breakdown of the Colts' 2022 schedule, including dates, start times and analysis for all 17 games.

MORE: Buy 2022 NFL game tickets at TicketSmarter

Indianapolis Colts schedule 2022

The Colts' schedule will be unveiled as part of the NFL's schedule release on Thursday, May 12.

  • Home: Chargers, Commanders, Eagles, Steelers, Chiefs, Titans, Texans, Jaguars
  • Away: Broncos, Raiders, Patriots, Giants, Cowboys, Vikings, Titans, Texans, Jaguars
Week Date Opponent Kickoff time TV
1 Sept. 11 at Texans 1 p.m. ET CBS
2 Sept. 18 at Jaguars 1 p.m. ET CBS
3 Sept. 25 vs. Chiefs 1 p.m. ET CBS
4 Oct. 2 vs. Titans 1 p.m. ET CBS
5 Oct. 6 (TNF) at Broncos 8:15 p.m. ET Amazon Prime (Stream)
6 Oct. 16 vs. Jaguars 1 p.m. ET CBS
7 Oct. 23 at Titans 1 p.m. ET CBS
8 Oct. 30 vs. Commanders 4:25 p.m. ET Fox
9 Nov. 6 at Patriots 1 p.m. ET CBS
10 Nov. 13 at Raiders 4 p.m. ET CBS
11 Nov. 20 vs. Eagles 1 p.m. ET CBS
12 Nov. 28 (MNF) vs. Steelers 8:15 p.m. ET ESPN
13 Dec. 4 (SNF) at Cowboys 8:20 p.m. ET NBC
14 BYE  N/A N/A N/A
15 Dec. 17 OR Dec. 18 at Vikings TBD TBD
16 Dec. 26 (MNF) vs. Chargers 8:15 p.m. ET ESPN
17 Jan. 1 at Giants 1 p.m. ET CBS
18 Jan. 7 OR Jan. 8 vs. Texans TBD TBD

Seven of the teams the Colts will face in 2022 reached the playoffs in 2021; however, just two of them advanced beyond the first round in the Chiefs and Titans. They'll face the Chiefs, Eagles and Steelers at home and the Raiders, Patriots and Cowboys on the road.

Colts strength of schedule

The Colts' 2022 opponents went a combined 135-153-1, a .469 winning percentage that is tied for 26th-strongest in the NFL.

Toughest tests: That road schedule could prove a bit daunting for Frank Reich's squad. The Patriots, Cowboys, Raiders and Titans look poised to be among the best teams in the NFL this coming season.

Indianapolis' home slate looks more promising. If healthy, the Chiefs are an impressive bunch, but the remaining teams coming to Lucas Oil Stadium should represent a bit of a reprieve.

Biggest breaks: All in all, Indianapolis has a pretty favorable schedule. The Texans, Jaguars, Giants and Steelers look primed to be among the league's bottom feeders in 2022.

Bottom line: The Colts look to be in a decent position to improve upon their 2021 record. Their schedule is fairly reasonable. They have one of the best players in the league in Jonathan Taylor. Health permitting, he should be able to shoulder the load on offense.

But it's not just Taylor. In Ryan, the Colts now have one of the most consistent quarterbacks of the past two decades, a player capable of taking a team far into the postseason.

Indy's biggest strength entering the year may be its continuity. The Titans are shrouded in mystery. They traded away their No. 1 wide receiver, A.J. Brown, during the NFL Draft. Their best player, Derrick Henry, is coming off a season-altering injury. Meanwhile, the fabric of the Colts' offense, Taylor, remains the same.

The Colts and Titans should compete for the AFC South crown. And although they might not have quite the depth that Tennessee has, a wild-card appearance seems very possible for Indy, a welcome sight for a side that finished one game out of the playoffs last year.

Record prediction: 9-8

Who does the colts play next
Who does the colts play next

Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Detailed view of an Indianapolis Colts helmet against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Sep. 11@ Texans1:00 PMCBS
  • Colts vs Texans spread: -7.5, Colts
  • Colts vs Texans moneyline: Colts (-375)
  • Prediction: Colts 27, Texans 17

The Indianapolis Colts simply couldn’t ask for a better way to start their 2022 NFL season. While it will begin things on the road, this is an opportunity for the team to establish some momentum early. Matt Ryan shouldn’t have too much trouble against Houston’s defense and this could be a huge day for Jonathan Taylor.

Related: 2022 NFL power rankings

Let’s take a quick look at the Indianapolis Colts roster for the 2022 season.

Matt Ryan replaces Carson Wentz, taking over as the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback this season. Ryan is an upgrade, providing far more stability for Frank Reich at the most important position. The Colts’ offensive line also projects to be better in 2022. Indianapolis will be counting on a big leap from Michael Pittman Jr. this year, viewing him as the No.1. receiver. Meanwhile, rookie Alex Pierce should play a prominent role. Of course, this offense will be carried by MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor.

Defensively, while the Colts traded Rock Ya-Sin this offseason this unit should be improved. Stephon Gilmore joins the secondary and Yannick Ngakoue bolters a pass rush that needed help on the edge. Both players should help this be a top-12 defense in 2022, but the departure of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is a blow.

Who does the colts play next
Who does the colts play next

Here is the Indianapolis Colts preseason schedule.

DateGameTime (ET)TV Info
Sat, Aug. 13@ Bills4:00 PMNFL Network
Sat, Aug. 20vs Lions1:00 PMLOCAL
Sat, Aug. 27vs Buccaneers7:30 PMLOCAL
Sunday Night Football

Related: Indianapolis Colts training camp schedule

Indianapolis Colts schedule 2022

Here you can find all the information you need on the 2022 Indianapolis Colts schedule. We’ll provide game predictions, betting info and more throughout the season.

Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Sep. 19@ Jaguars1:00 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Colts 31, Jaguars 20
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Sep. 25vs Chiefs1:00 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Chiefs 28, Colts 24
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Oct. 2vs Titans1:00 PMFOX
  • Prediction: Colts 24, Titans 21
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Thu, Oct. 6@ Broncos8:15 PMAmazon Prime
  • Prediction: Broncos 31, Colts 27
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Oct. 16vs Jaguars1:00 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Colts 27, Jaguars 17

Who does the colts play next
Who does the colts play next

Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Oct. 23@ Titans1:00 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Titans 23, Colts 21
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Oct. 30vs Commanders4:25 PMFOX
  • Prediction: Colts 31, Commanders 17
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Nov. 6@ Patriots1:00 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Colts 20, Patriots 17
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Nov. 13@ Raiders4:05 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Raiders 24, Colts 21
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Nov. 20vs Eagles1:00 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Colts 27, Eagles 21
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Mon, Nov. 28vs Steelers8:15 PMESPN
  • Prediction: Colts 23, Steelers 17
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, De. 4@ Cowboys8:20 PMNBC
  • Prediction: Cowboys 28, Colts 27
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Dec. 18@ VikingsTBDTBD
  • Prediction: Colts 35, Vikings 27
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Mon, Dec. 26vs Chargers8:15 PMESPN
  • Prediction: Chargers 31, Colts 27
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Jan. 1@ Giants1:00 PMCBS
  • Prediction: Colts 20, Giants 17
Date:GameTime (ET)TV Info
Sun, Jan. 8vs TexansTBDTBD
  • Prediction: Colts 27, Texans 24

The Colts are coming off a heartbreaking 2021 season. They entered Week 17 with a 9-6 record, one victory away from making the playoffs. However, consecutive losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars crushed the Colts’ playoff hopes. Because of the brutal finish, Indianapolis traded Carson Wentz for Day 2 picks and replaced him with Matt Ryan. Indianapolis is favored to win the AFC South in 2022.