Though the Indianapolis Colts are just preparing to gather at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield for 2025 training camp, national experts are ranking them.

The Colts are seeking their first playoff berth since 2020 and are unsettled at quarterback as incumbent Anthony Richardson and newcomer Daniel Jones will battle for starting spot.

General manager Chris Ballard, in his ninth year in Indianapolis, spent more than usual in free agency in an effort to give third-year coach Shane Steichen a roster that can compete in the AFC South.

However, the way-too-early power rankings aren’t promising.

Way-too-early NFL power rankings: Where the Indianapolis Colts stand entering training camp

Alec Sanner, Sporting News: 24th

I’ve been wrong before, but I don’t see what everyone else sees in the Colts’ 2-53 that says they’re just a quarterback away.

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: 25th

The Colts’ season hinges on the quarterback position. It usually does for most teams, but the room for variance between what Indianapolis has behind center is so vast that it might as well be considered a black hole. Anthony Richardson is already dealing with a shoulder issue (again). Daniel Jones very well may lead the Colts offense onto the field during Week 1.

Unless Richardson gets healthy and drastically improves, or Jones looks like a viable starting option for an entire season, the Colts could very well be looking to reset after the 2025 campaign. The fact it’s being mentioned already shows how dire this situation actually is.

Alex Hoegler, Total Pro Sports: 25th

Reports out of Indy claim that Daniel Jones is well ahead of Anthony Richardson in the race for the starting QB role. There’s still time for Richardson to reclaim the gig, but it’s not an encouraging start for a player in a make-or-break year.

Anyway, whoever wins the training camp battle will be on a short leash. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, now the principal owner following the tragic passing of her father, Jim Irsay, surely won’t stand for another lousy year.

Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus: 26th

Free agency was a mixed bag for the Colts. They lost two key starters on the interior offensive line, Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, as well as stalwart defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo. On the other hand, they landed two of the top-ranked coverage defenders in Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward.

The bigger storyline comes in the quarterback room, where Indianapolis acquired Daniel Jones. He is expected to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting job. While the team still hopes Richardson can develop into a franchise quarterback, having a contingency plan in place is a prudent move.

Eric Edholm, NFL.com: 23rd

(And guess where he ranks the AFC South among divisions)

The Colts spent a little money this offseason to cultivate the defense, and the draft delivered a solid crew, led by tight end Tyler Warren and DE JT Tuimoloau. Warren should start, and Tuimoloau will take Dayo Odeyingbo’s spot. All that’s left now is to figure out that pesky quarterback situation. Forgive me if the Anthony Richardson-Daniel Jones competition (with a dash of sixth-rounder Riley Leonard thrown in) does not have me all hot and bothered, even if they do have a better environment in which to work now. The AFC South remains a division up for grabs, even with the Texans occupying the captain’s chair. I believe Indy is better equipped to make a run at Houston, but until one of the quarterbacks establishes himself as the leader, it’s difficult to see much daylight.