Can the Indianapolis Colts put an end to their playoff drought this season?

The Colts haven’t made the NFL’s postseason since 2020 and are one of six teams without a playoff appearance in four-plus years.

Advertisement

Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com recently ranked those six teams from the least likely to end their playoff drought to the most likely, and the Colts came in pretty high at No. 2 on this list.

No. 1 in these rankings were the Atlanta Falcons, while Nos. 3-6 consisted of the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and the New Orleans Saints, rounding things out.

“The Colts are, for the most part, returning a roster that went .500 over the last two seasons under Shane Steichen,” wrote Bergman. “Their weaknesses in the secondary have been bolstered by the additions of Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward. Indy’s AFC South rivals in Tennessee and Jacksonville picked No. 1 and No. 2 in the draft and have major question marks, with less-experienced coaches at the controls and first-year stars in the spotlight.”

As we’ve discussed before, there is a lot to like about this Colts roster after the offseason additions that were made, even with the unknowns at quarterback.

Advertisement

To begin free agency, GM Chris Ballard reshaped the secondary by signing Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum. The Colts also hired Lou Anarumo to be defensive coordinator, whose more aggressive and malleable defensive scheme should help elevate the play of the entire unit.

Up front is a defensive line unit that has been heavily invested in over the years. While on offense, the backfield still has Jonathan Taylor, who ranked fourth in rushing yards last season, along with the Colts having the only trio of receivers to all eclipse 800 yards in 2024, and a do-it-all presence at tight end with Tyler Warren.

Although, admittedly, there is a bit more uncertainty along the offensive line this season with the Colts relying on two relatively inexperienced players in Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves.

With that said, if Indianapolis can get somewhat steady play from the quarterback spot–and I emphasize if–with the roster around that player, Indianapolis should be able to find themselves in a position to make the playoffs and potentially end this drought.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL season: Can Indianapolis Colts end playoff drought?