With the hope that the Indianapolis Colts and the rest of the NFL will have the opportunity to get on the field for training camp at the end of July, the predictions are coming out as to which teams will make a playoff run.
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While there is plenty of optimism for the Colts to reach the playoffs in 2020, Berry Werner of Touchdown Wire is a bit more skeptical of Indy’s chances of getting to the postseason.
From the Bolts to the Colts. Philip Rivers makes that move and won’t see the postseason with Indy. Tough competition in the division from Houston and Tennessee makes it a steep climb.
There is little debate that the Colts have a better team in 2020 than they did in 2019. Even if there are some valid concerns with Rivers’ game, he was better than Jacoby Brissett in most metrics during a down year. As long as he hasn’t fallen too far from his typical form, the passing offense should see an increase in production.
The additions of rookies Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. should benefit the offense as well. Taylor will be joining an already-strong backfield while Pittman Jr. will have the opportunity to be the WR2 for Rivers right away.
On the defensive side, the addition of DeForest Buckner on the defensive interior should provide a boost for the entire unit. There are some question marks in the secondary, though.
The competition in the division will be steep. The Titans were one of the best teams in the AFC in 2019 while the Texans will always be competitive as long as Deshaun Watson is in town.
What makes the Colts’ path easier, though, is their opening schedule. Thorugh their first six games to open the season, only one team had a winning record in 2019 (the Vikings). There is a high chance they come out of the gates hot with a 4-2 or even 5-1 record.
Regardless, the Colts have improved on paper this offseason. There is certainly a chance to make the playoffs in 2020 as long as things go according to plan.
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