NFL Week 6 power rankings: Colts fall as quarterback questions rise

The Indianapolis Colts (2-3) aren't certain who is playing quarterback or running back in NFL Week 6 , and they don't know who will be available on defense .

Other than that, they're all set.

The Colts have fallen into the lower third of NFL power rankings in the wake of the Jacksonville Jaguars earning their first victory of the season in Week 5, 37-34 over the Colts. Joe Flacco excelled in place of the injured Anthony Richardson , running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) missed the game, and a defense missing several key players to injury got gouged.

NFL power rankings Week 6: Colts fall as quarterback questions arise

Frank Schwab, Yahoo : 24th, down 4 places from last week

Alec Pierce has been a big surprise. He had another 134 yards on Sunday. The 2022 second-round pick was 11th in the NFL in receiving yards after Sunday’s games. Between Michael Pittman Jr., Pierce and 2024 second-round pick Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis has a good WR core to build around.

Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated : 21st, down 6

The work Shane Steichen is doing to retrofit this offense to Joe Flacco has been awesome. I could spend an afternoon just watching all of the backfield motions being run by this team. And, of course, Flacco’s demeanor on this exciting throwback had pure “I’m too old for this s—” vibes.

Eric Edholm, NFL.com : 21st down 5

They were in Jacksonville, a place where the Colts haven’t won in a decade now, and they were without Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor and Ryan Kelly, so this wasn’t the most shocking loss of all time, even against the formerly winless Jags. Nonetheless, it was frustrating to see Joe Flacco get Indy so close to pulling out a stunner, only to watch the defense unable to get enough key stops. The Colts couldn’t turn the momentum after intercepting Trevor Lawrence in the third quarter, and the special teams and defense just broke down too often after that. There was very little pressure on Lawrence all game, and the Jags QB was able to break out of a slump as a result. If the Colts can’t get a little healthier and improve their performance in the next two games against the Titans and Dolphins, they could be in trouble.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News : 25th, down 4

The Colts' running game missed Jonathan Taylor (ankle), but their passing game got a big-time boost with Joe Flacco letting it rip in place of Anthony Richardson (oblique). The defensive inconsistency can cost them regardless of who's at QB.

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk : 22nd, down 4

The fact that coach Shane Steichen had to say Anthony Richardson is still the starter proves how well Joe Flacco is doing.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports : 22nd, down 1

They are 2-3 in large part because the defense has major issues. The pass defense is a problem and keeps showing up in a negative way.

Robert Zeglinski, For The Win : 25th, down 6

Another fledgling franchise with a struggling hopeful face of the team, another place where Joe Flacco sows doubt into an organization. When it comes to Anthony Richardson’s health and general processing issues, we are entering a worst-case developmental scenario if Flacco continues to look considerably better than Indy’s incumbent starter. Though, I’m sure Shane Steichen won’t apologize for seeing his offense actually function.

Stephen Holder, ESPN : 22nd, down 3

While the volume of usage hasn't been significant, Pierce is putting up some eye-popping numbers, leading the NFL in yards per catch with 28.3 and already matching a career high with two touchdown receptions. Pierce established a career best with 134 receiving yards in Sunday's loss at Jacksonville, once again making the most of his opportunities (three targets and three catches).

Can Richardson and Levis be trusted?: Who is favored in Colts vs. Titans?

When do the Colts play the Titans in NFL Week 6?

1 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

Where can I watch Colts vs Titans? How to watch NFL Week 6 game

CBS , with Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (analysis) and Aditi Kinkhabwala (sideline reporting)

How to stream, watch Titans-Colts game for NFL Week 6

The Colts-Titans matchup will stream on Paramount+ at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. The app is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play . Fans can also download NFL+ in the Apple App Store or on Google Play .

How to listen to NFL Week 6 Titans-Colts game on radio, streaming

Radio : 93.5, 97.1, 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with Matt Taylor (play-by-play), Rick Venturi (analysis) and Larra Overton (sideline reporting)

Streaming : SiriusXM Channels 382, 813

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Week 6 power rankings: Colts fall as quarterback questions rise