What Transformed the Colts from Underdogs to Unstoppable?

The Indianapolis Colts are currently leading the NFL with an impressive 7-1 record, showcasing a remarkable performance under head coach Shane Steichen. Their success can be attributed to a combination of a solid roster, the emergence of quarterback Daniel Jones, and the standout performances of running back Jonathan Taylor. As they head into week nine, the Colts are poised for potential playoff success, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.

Last updated: 02 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The 2025 NFL season has reached its ninth week, and the Indianapolis Colts are at the forefront of the league with a remarkable 7-1 record. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the struggles they faced in previous seasons. Under head coach Shane Steichen, the Colts have transformed into a formidable force, with both their offense and defense performing exceptionally well. Their next challenge will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and fans are eager to see if they can maintain their winning momentum.

Key takeaways

The Colts are the only team in the NFL with a 7-1 record, leading the AFC South.
Quarterback Daniel Jones is performing exceptionally well, ranking fourth in pass completion and passing yards.
Running back Jonathan Taylor leads the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, making him a strong MVP candidate.
The Colts have a balanced offensive attack, with multiple receivers contributing to their success.
They have a solid offensive line, allowing them to protect their quarterback and create opportunities for their running back.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2025 NFL season, the Colts have made significant strides under head coach Shane Steichen. Here are some key milestones:

September 2025: The Colts kick off their season, aiming for a strong performance after a challenging previous year.
October 2025: Following a series of impressive victories, the Colts find themselves at the top of the AFC South.
Early November 2025: With a record of 7-1, the Colts prepare for critical games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Colts have recently showcased their capabilities with a strong offensive performance, particularly from quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor. As they approach their matchup against the Steelers, expectations are high for continued success.

What was already established

Prior to this season, the Colts faced several challenges, including inconsistent quarterback play and injuries within their roster. However, with strategic drafting and player acquisitions, they have built a competitive team capable of making a deep playoff run.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As interest in the NFL continues to grow in the UK, the success of teams like the Colts may increase viewership and engagement with the sport. Fans can look forward to extensive coverage of the games, enhancing their experience as they follow the season.

Businesses and jobs

The Colts’ success could have ripple effects on local businesses and sports-related jobs in the UK. As fans engage more with the NFL, there may be increased demand for merchandise, events, and viewing parties, benefiting local economies.

Policy and regulation

With the NFL's growing popularity in the UK, potential discussions regarding broadcasting rights and regulations may arise, impacting how fans access games and coverage in the future.

Numbers that matter

7-1: The Colts' current record, making them the only team in the NFL with this record.
71%: Daniel Jones' pass completion percentage, ranking him fourth among starting quarterbacks this season.
2,062: The total passing yards accumulated by Jones so far in the season.
14: The number of touchdowns scored by Jonathan Taylor, leading the NFL.
9: The total number of sacks allowed by the Colts' offensive line this season.

Definitions and jargon buster

AFC South: A division in the American Football Conference (AFC) of the NFL, consisting of teams such as the Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans.
Pass completion percentage: The ratio of completed passes to attempted passes, expressed as a percentage.
Touchdowns: Scoring plays in American football, worth six points each.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should closely follow the Colts' upcoming games, particularly their matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons. These games will be crucial for maintaining their top position in the league.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the Colts will need to focus on keeping their players healthy and continuing to execute their game plan effectively to secure playoff positioning.

Signals to watch

Upcoming game results against the Steelers and Falcons.
Performance metrics of Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor in games leading to the playoffs.
Injury reports and player availability as the season progresses.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on player performance metrics as the season unfolds.
Engage with NFL coverage to stay updated on team progress and strategies.
Participate in local events or viewings to connect with fellow fans.

Don’t

Neglect to follow injury updates, as they can significantly impact team performance.
Overlook the importance of supporting local teams and events related to the NFL.
Assume that current success will automatically continue without effort.

Checklist

Check the Colts' schedule for upcoming games.
Review player statistics regularly.
Engage with NFL news outlets for insights and analysis.
Attend local NFL-related events or gatherings.
Follow injury reports and team announcements closely.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Colts are currently performing well, several factors could impact their success as the season progresses. Injuries to key players, unexpected performance dips, or challenging matchups against strong opponents could alter their trajectory. Fans should remain cautiously optimistic and monitor the team's developments closely.

Bottom line

The Indianapolis Colts are enjoying a remarkable season, with their 7-1 record highlighting their potential for playoff success. With a balanced offensive attack led by Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor, the Colts are well-positioned to compete. However, maintaining health and performance consistency will be key as they move forward in the season.

FAQs

How is the Colts' season performance compared to previous years?

The Colts are currently performing exceptionally well, leading the NFL with a 7-1 record, a significant improvement from previous seasons marked by struggles and inconsistency.

Who are the standout players for the Colts this season?

Quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor are the standout players, with Jones excelling in passing metrics and Taylor leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns.

What challenges could the Colts face in the upcoming weeks?

The Colts may face challenges such as injuries, tough matchups against strong teams, and the need to maintain their performance level as they approach the playoffs.