Oh I agree. Luck was a safety net we don’t have anymore. I can’t believe Hoyer is a nasty play away from starting. Don’t have any choice, hopefully he shows us something. I am cautiously optimistic after watching Brisset’s highlights from 2017. He had a lot to overcome in 2017. Learning the offense on the run, few good receivers, little time to throw. So with a better lineup around him hopefully he can be a cog, doesn’t have to be the guy.

As for rookie QBs gonna watch Eason and Love closely this year.

I see four tiers in the Colts schedule:

On paper, I see 7 likely wins:
-3 division games
-MIA
-OAK
-DEN
-TB

5 games that are winnable:
-3 division games
-ATL
-CAR

2 games that are probable losses:
-LAC
-PIT

2 games that are nearly guaranteed losses:
-NO
-KC

I really wouldn't be shocked with anything from 7-10 wins. Could be a couple key turnovers or injuries that makes all the difference...Derwin James, possibly?

My prediction, they are playing this sunday

We sweep the Tits, just because we always do.

What? Luck was 4 to 5 games better than Brissett.

Disagree.

Wrong

Perhaps I'm very overly optimistic this season (like I was in 2017 when Luck was gone, and we all know how that season turned out), but I really think they'll go 10-6 this year. The coaching staff has a clue and the Colts, other than the admittedly significant QB position, are pretty stacked on both sides of the ball. And I really think the coaching staff will work with JB to get all they can out of him.

Wins
Houston (Home)
Tennessee (Home)
Tennessee (Away)
Jags (Home)
Jags (Away)
Oakland (Home)
Miami (Home)
Tampa (Away)
Carolina (Home)
Broncos (Home)

Losses
Kansas City (Away)
LA Chargers (Away)
New Orleans (Away)
Houston (Away)
Atlanta (Home)
Steelers (Away)

I would guess 10-6 is the max. Likely 8-8 or 9-7 if healthy

We won 4 games with Brissett when there was far less overall talent on the team and a completely incompetent coaching staff. Good coaching and better overall talent should definitely lead to at least a couple more wins. I think 7-9 wins is pretty likely so will split the difference and say we finish 8-8.

Mostly agree with you. I think @ Jags will be an L, but ATL at home is a very winnable game.

For sure, 10 wins is the high end and I'm being fairly optimistic. Still, it at least seems realistic. Unlike say 12 wins which while I guess is possible I just can't see it.

This all really depends more on the defense, the running game and the O-Line, more than it does Brissett or the passing game. I'm not worried about Brisett turning the ball over. He's shown that he's pretty good in that area.

We will get our yards through the air. But if we can get a 10% increase in the running game and again produce 30+ turnovers, while getting a slight bump in sacks, along with a little better pass defense, then this is a 10 win team or more.

I can see anywhere from 6-10 wins for this team

I expect it will be 8 or 9, flirting with a wild card spot but may not make it.

No. I really do disagree.

Realistic Expectations - reality check Dec 17
 

Season Win total predictions and outcomes: I had the Colts at 6-10 while OmahaColt was 7-9 ....however some were drinking blue kool aid with 10, 12 , and even 13 win season predictions

Most predicted ten wins before Luck retired. Very few did after that day.

Hopefully people NOW realize Luck was 4-5 games better than Brissett. He was just on another level and a true starter. JB NEVER was or will be starting quality.

I would say that every facet of the team has regressed from last season. Maybe a slight improvement in LB play, but every other position group has regressed.

Totally agree. I tried to give JB the benefit of the doubt early on, but he just fucking sucks.

I think he is an excellent backup. He just doesnt have enough to be a full time starter.

Hmm. Pretty close as it's turning out. I don't know, maybe they can get a 7th win somewhere. I do know that the Colts team that played the Saints last night won't beat anybody. Pathetic performance

So when we go 8-8 because the next two teams are mailing it in the rest of the year. Does everyone feel a little better about the season?

Not really.

I think that would be the worst thing that could happen

Pretty much. But we can’t even commit to being bad for a better pick for a QB.