by - Indianapolis Colts
Predicted record: 12-4
This Colts team is the real deal. Nothing about this team is flashy but they will get the job done based on well-rounded play and a well-rounded roster.
They have plenty of tough games on their schedule but I can’t seem to find any glaring weaknesses… unless Andrew Luck is injured.
Running the ball isn’t the strength of this offense but Marlon Mack will pick up some yards behind a talented offensive line. That won’t be an issue at all. Neither will the protection for Andrew Luck be an issue.
The line is filled with veteran talent but second year left guard Quenton Nelson is probably the best one of the group. Nelson is also going to keep making a case for being considered the best guard in the NFL. That just means Luck will have all day to sit in to pocket.
Sure Andrew Luck is boring but he is a quality franchise quarterback and could have a serious shot at winning MVP this season.
With time to read the field, Luck will be able to pick apart defenses with the amount of talent he has to target. It is a balanced group with all different styles of play covered.
Star wide receiver – T.Y. Hilton, big target – Devin Funchess, burner – Parris Campbell and two outstanding tight ends – Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron. Maybe the Colts won’t score 40 or more points every game but I bet they will average close to 30 points per game.
The Colts defense virtually stays the same with the exception of adding Justin Houston as an edge rusher. Darius Leonard was the defensive star last year and looks to do more of the same.
The best thing that happened to this defense though was the fact that they got to use most of their draft picks to add depth. That depth will be crucial down the final stretch of the regular season.
The Indianapolis offense is the strength of this team but this is a defense that will make it possible for the Colts to have postseason success.
The Colts will win their division and will be a force in the playoffs. This is the best Colts team since Peyton Manning was their quarterback.
