'They have a target on their back': Peyton Manning identifies Colts' main competition in AFC South

The Indianapolis Colts are going to learn where they stand in the AFC South in a hurry.

They open the 2024 NFL season on Sept. 8 by hosting the Houston Texans, who won the division in 2023 and have quarterback C.J. Stroud coming off an Offensive Rookie of the Year season.

Colts legend Peyton Manning joined the "Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday to discuss Stroud's rapid development.

"It's so hard as a rookie, all these interceptions," Manning recalled of the 1998 season, in which he set an NFL rookie record with 28 pickoffs. "C.J. Stroud says, 'It's not that hard.' He went out and dominated as a rookie."

Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, appeared in 15 games, passing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

"He's got a presence about him," Manning said. "There's something about being calm and cool in those heated moments that serves those quarterbacks well."

Houston beat the Colts in the regular-season finale to win the division and defeated the Cleveland Browns in a wild-card playoff game. The Texans lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.

In the offseason, the Texans added wide receivers Stefon Diggs, pass rusher Danielle Hunter, defensive lineman Denico Autry and running back Joe Mixon. That's a lot of talent to add to a defending division champ.

"I think you're right. I think that division kind of goes through Houston," Manning said. "They have a target on their back. They're not going to sneak up on anybody, but they're going to answer that challenge."

The Texans opened training camp on Thursday. The Colts begin next week.