Is Week 1 A Must-Win For The Colts?

Source: Kevin Sabitus / Getty

At long last, we’ve made it to game week for Week 1 of the NFL Season.

For the Indianapolis Colts, it’s been a long offseason, with their Week 17 loss to the Houston Texans that ultimately ended their 2023 season staying fresh on the mind throughout. The NFL schedule makers were merciful, giving the Colts a chance for revenge right out of the gate, as the Colts will take on the Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

Considering the agonizing way last year ended, and with how competitive the division could be, is Sunday’s game a must-win for the Colts? And if they don’t, will their season, and their quest for their first AFC South championship since 2014, already be lost?

It can be dangerous to write off a team after a week 1 loss. This could be especially true for the Colts and quarterback Anthony Richardson; as he gains more experience, Richardson will hopefully show signs of improvement, and the Colts fortunes will follow suit.

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Of course, perhaps the biggest question mark for the Colts outside of Richardson is their secondary. It’s a group that has caused a lot of concern for Colts fans, especially with the improvements the Texans have made on offense to surround 2 nd -year quarterback C.J Stroud with talent. If Stroud, who had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, dices up the secondary and beats Indy, it could signal a long year ahead for fans as well as for Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

The AFC South is looking to be much more competitive than it has in years past. Every divisional game will be important, more so than normal. With how tight the race for the AFC South crown might be, with it being at home, and with it being a chance to get redemption for how last year ended against a hated divisional foe, it doesn’t feel crazy to say that the Colts must find a way to win on Sunday.

During the Tuesday edition of The Ride With JMV, John spoke to Nate Atkins of the IndyStar about:

• The Week 1 matchup between Houston and Indy
• The Colts roster building philosophy
• The expectations for the year
• And more!

Listen to that conversation down below, and tune into The Ride With JMV weekdays from 3-6pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan!

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