Indianapolis Colts schedule 2026: Dates & times for all 17 games, strength of schedule and predictions

For the fourth time in five seasons, the Indianapolis Colts were on the outside of the NFL playoff picture and were a few games short of the final AFC wild-card spot.

The team's season collapsed last year after quarterback Daniel Jones ruptured his right Achilles. Heading into their Week 11 bye, three weeks before Jones' injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team was riding high on an 8-2 record. The Colts went on to lose every game after their bye week and finished with an 8-9 record.

It certainly didn't help that their AFC South division emphatically rose above what fans expected of them, with the Jaguars finishing with a 13-4 record and the Houston Texans tallying 12-5. Houston's defense is among the scariest in the league, and it got even better after signing Reed Blankenship and Logan Hall.

For Indianapolis to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 (wild card), they will need to win as many games against their division rivals as possible. The team will also need to fill in the offensive void that resulted from Michael Pittman Jr.'s departure to Pittsburgh.

Here is a complete breakdown of the Colts' 2026 schedule, including dates, start times and analysis for all 17 games.

Indianapolis Colts schedule 2026

• Home opponents: Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Ravens, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Giants
• Away opponents: Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Browns, Steelers, Chiefs, Vikings, Eagles, Commanders

Every NFL team's 2026 opponents are predetermined. Indianapolis's full 2026 NFL schedule with dates, times and TV networks will be updated below when the NFL schedule is announced at * p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14. 

Colts strength of schedule

In 2025, the Colts' schedule appeared easier prior to the AFC South exceeding expectations. Once the year played out as it did, despite jumping out to a blazing 8-2 record through their first 10 games, the wheels fell off the wagon. In their final seven games, the Colts had to play both the Jaguars and Texans twice, who both made playoff appearances. They were also tasked with an away game at the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and a home game against the San Francisco 49ers.

This year, the Colts may be able to have more success than they did during their heartbreaking ending stretch in 2025. Indianapolis's opponents averaged a .465 win percentage last season, which gives them the fourth-easiest schedule for the 2026 season on paper.

Toughest tests: While the Colts' home schedule doesn't appear to be too difficult, the same cannot be said about the teams they will be tasked with playing away. The Kansas City Chiefs did not make the playoffs last year, but they should be better than their miserable 6-11 record.

Indy will also have to travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. It remains to be seen what happens to AJ Brown, but regardless of whether he is an Eagle come Week 1, new draft pick Makai Lemon should make his name known to the NFL audience quickly.

Biggest breaks: Getting to play the Titans twice a year is certainly a benefit for Indianapolis. In their two matchups last season, they defeated Tennessee by a combined 45 points. Cam Ward will be looking to take that next step in his career, and No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate showed the franchise is willing to build around their young quarterback. The Colts will also take on the Washington Commanders in D.C. Jayden Daniels will be back and healthier than he was last year, but the team is still lacking enough firepower to be considered a threat on paper.

Colts record prediction

• Over/under win total: 8.5 (per BetMGM)

Bottom line: This season will be a massive one for Indianapolis. The team committed to their quarterback for another two seasons despite his Achilles injury. Along with Jones, RB Jonathan Taylor is 27 years old and in his prime. The running back had one of the healthiest seasons of his career after he suited up for all 17 games. It's unlikely that he will be able to replicate that. Pittman Jr.'s departure may be evident in the first few weeks. The team will have to rely heavily on Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren when airing it out.

It's tough to figure out if the Jaguars and Texans had a fluke year or if they are as legitimate as their previous year's record. The Colts may be on pace for another season of disappointment, and falling beneath their win total does not seem that crazy.

Record prediction: 7-10