There are several media outlets that believe the Indianapolis Colts will take the AFC South when the 2019 season is all said and done. You can add Sports Illustrated to that list as well.
Going through and predicting the record and division standings amongst the entire NFL for the 2019 season, Sports Illustrated has the Colts finishing with a 12-4 record while winning the AFC South with ease.
COLTS: 12–4*
While it’s hard to put too much emphasis on one game, the Colts’ afternoon matchup against the Chargers in Los Angeles to open the season feels like a potential AFC divisional game. I have them winning that game and beating the Titans on the road to start the season 2–0. Maybe this is fueled by the near-mysticism that Chris Ballard’s early tenure has been cloaked in when it comes to the depth chart he’s stacking there. In a lot of ways, this feels like a season where they could pull away from the division.
Here’s how the rest of the division fared in the prediction:
- Colts: 12-4
- Texans: 9-7
- Jaguars: 9-7
- Titans: 6-10
There is no shortage of hype for the Colts entering the regular season. While not all believe it a foregone conclusion that they will win the division, most would agree Indy likely has the best chances of any team to run away with it.
Of course, they have to prove that on the field. No team will ever win games simply on paper. The offensive line has to prove it is the formidable unit we believe it to be, and the defense has to show it is making improvements.
How far the Colts can go in 2019 will depend on many factors, but Sports Illustrated is another outlet that has faith in Indy returning to the top.
