In what promises to be a tight AFC South division, the Indianapolis Colts have three early-season divisional games that are set to define the tone for their year. These matchups are crucial and could make or break their season. Here’s why these games are so important:
- Early Divisional Tests: In their first six games, the Colts will face their AFC South rivals three times, with two of these games on the road. They kick off the season at home against the Houston Texans, which is sure to be an exciting opener.
- Road Challenges: In Week 5, the Colts head to Jacksonville, followed by a trip to Tennessee in Week 6. Performing well in these away games is vital, as early victories could set them up for success down the line.
Last season, the AFC South race was a nail-biter, coming down to the final week. In Week 18, a Texans victory over the Colts secured them the division title with a 10-7 record. The Colts and Jaguars both ended up at 9-8, with the Jaguars losing their last game to the Titans.
- Home Advantage Late in the Season: The Colts have the benefit of finishing their season with home games against the Titans and Jaguars in Weeks 16 and 18, respectively. In a division where every game counts, having these crucial matchups at home could be a significant advantage.
Another critical point in their schedule is their second matchup with the Texans in Week 8, this time on the road. This will be the last time they face Houston in the regular season, meaning there won’t be another head-to-head opportunity to make up ground or widen the gap against them later in the year.
The regular season for any NFL team is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. However, for the Colts, having these pivotal divisional games early means they need to come out strong to avoid falling behind in the AFC South race. A strong start against their divisional foes—or the lack of one—will likely have long-lasting effects, influencing the outcome of their season months down the road.
Getting off to a fast start is essential for the Colts. They can't afford to dig themselves into an early hole, especially with such a competitive division. Keep an eye on these key games—they could very well decide the Colts' fate this season.
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