Indianapolis Colts
American Football Conference · AFC South
ESPN standings data retrieved October 6, 2026. 2026 season totals at this snapshot.
Team snapshot
Indianapolis Colts through our lens
ESPN’s 2026 standings snapshot, checked October 6, puts Indianapolis Colts at 2-2. That profile contains 25.5 points scored and 26.0 conceded per game, a -0.5 average margin. The scoring average is 13 of 32 in this league snapshot. The negative margin makes the record a starting question. The team needs to show how it can produce more useful possessions than it allows.
The most recent checked result is Indianapolis Colts 30 · Washington Commanders 13 on 2026-10-04. The next scheduled test is 
Pittsburgh Steelers on 2026-10-11. Our test starts with successful early downs. Separate consistent gains from one explosive play, then check starting field position, points per threatening drive and turnover margin. The record cannot tell us which of those advantages will survive the next matchup.
Read our full 2026-10-06 article assessment
Our team assessment
Article cutoff 2026-10-06
Colts | 2-2
Read the table as text
| Season evidence | Colts | Opponents |
|---|---|---|
| Plays keeping pace | 43.0% | 44.0% |
| Long gains | 23 | 25 |
| Points / threatening drives | 102 / 24 | 104 / 26 |
| Defensive takeaways | 2 | 8 |
| Special-teams recoveries | 0 | 0 |
Indianapolis has been fairly consistent at moving the ball and remarkably consistent at putting that movement at risk. Its weekly useful-play shares have stayed between 40.6 and 46.0 percent. Its giveaways have run two, one, three and two. The Colts have eight giveaways against just two defensive takeaways, meaning the two-game winning streak has not repaired their most repeated possession problem. Their defense has also allowed 104 offensive points from 26 threatening possessions, close to the offense's 102 from 24.
Daniel Jones said “Can’t afford to turn the ball over like that”. He had just won 30-13 while contributing both of Sunday's giveaways. The scoreboard does not repeal his statement. Jonathan Taylor's 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns helped restore order, and an interception handed Indianapolis a 20-yard touchdown possession. The other offensive work still mattered, especially the answer after Washington cut the lead to four. At 2-2, the Colts have evidence of resilience and very little evidence that the turnover problem has stopped.
After opponent punts or failed fourth downs, Colts possessions have begun at their own 26.4, on average, across 20 competitive drives. The weekly average has varied widely, from their own 10.2 to their own 36.1. The latest game averaged their own 36.1. The resulting possession started at midfield or closer to the end zone in 2 of those 20 cases. These are actual starting spots, including punt returns, rather than a measure of the defense alone. The return unit has added 25 punt-return yards over the season. Starts following turnovers are counted separately: 2 competitive possessions at their opponent 17.5 on average.
Upcoming matchups
| Date / time | Sport | Matchup | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-11 12:00 PM CT | NFL | Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh SteelersStats & matchup analysis → | Scheduled |
| 2026-10-18 12:00 PM CT | NFL | Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis ColtsStats & matchup analysis → | Scheduled |
| 2026-10-25 12:00 PM CT | NFL | Indianapolis Colts @ Minnesota VikingsStats & matchup analysis → | Scheduled |
