The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 NFL season with plenty of uncertainty. While their underwhelming defense from last year has drawn some criticism, most of the lingering doubts center around the offense.
Pro Football Focus analysts Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman aren’t particularly bullish on the Colts’ overall talent, placing their roster at 20th in the league. That ranking doesn’t spell doom, but it suggests fans shouldn’t expect a major leap from last season’s 8-9 finish.
Still, the analysis begins on a positive note by highlighting one of the team’s offensive strengths.
Top Strength in 2024: Offensive Line
“Indianapolis fielded one of the league’s top offensive lines last year,” Chadwick and Wasserman wrote. “The unit earned a PFF overall grade of 78.1, ranking sixth-best in the NFL. It was also one of just three lines to place in the top 10 for both pass-blocking and run-blocking grades. Despite the departures of center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries, the group remains a promising asset.”
However, not everyone shares that optimism. CBS Sports analysts Kyle Long and Leger Douzable placed the Colts’ offensive line in their “C-Tier” on the Pushing the Pile podcast—classifying it as average. That’s a concern, especially considering PFF identified the line as a primary strength.
Many might expect Jonathan Taylor to be the focal point of the offense, but according to PFF, that’s not the case.
Key Weakness: Passing Game
PFF identifies the passing attack as the Colts’ biggest weakness, and it’s a familiar storyline. Injuries and inconsistent quarterback play remain major concerns.
“Even with solid protection, Anthony Richardson didn’t prove he’s the answer at quarterback,” the PFF analysts said. The former No. 4 overall pick posted a 59.8 passing grade in 2024, ranking him 38th out of 44 qualifying QBs.
Veteran Daniel Jones signed a one-year contract to compete with—or potentially replace—Richardson, who is currently sidelined with an AC joint injury. He’s expected to miss time through training camp, and head coach Shane Steichen declined to offer a recovery timeline.
“When he returns, we’ll ease him back into throwing and take it from there,” Steichen said.
Players to Watch
Richardson remains the biggest X-factor on the roster. Despite the doubts, he has rare athleticism and potential—traits that made him the No. 4 pick in 2023. But the pressure is mounting.
X-Factor for 2025: QB Anthony Richardson
“It’s a make-or-break year for Richardson,” PFF writes. “He has a solid O-line, an elite back in Jonathan Taylor, and one of the league’s better receiving groups. If his accuracy doesn’t improve in Year 3, Daniel Jones could take over sooner rather than later.”
Missing valuable offseason reps won’t help Richardson raise last season’s low 47.7% completion rate.
Another name to monitor is rookie tight end Tyler Warren. Drafted 14th overall out of Penn State, Warren was widely regarded as the top tight end prospect in the 2025 class—and PFF is clearly excited about his potential.
Rookie to Watch: TE Tyler Warren
“Indianapolis tight ends gained just 221 yards after the catch last season—the lowest total in the NFL,” PFF notes. “Enter Warren, who racked up 690 YAC yards at Penn State last year, the most ever recorded by a Power Four tight end in PFF history.”
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