2023 NFL Power Rankings: Indianapolis Colts

Offensively, the Colts' underwhelming ranking might not match up with their 6-5 record. But their ability to win even without strong offensive production was evidenced by victories in Weeks 9 and 10 -- the Colts' two worst games this season in terms of total yardage (they averaged 231 yards in those two contests). The defense bailed them out in both those games, another example of the Colts' lack of complementary football this season. And whatever special teams blunders they've had are somewhat offset by the kicking of Matt Gay, who has already matched a career high with seven field goals of 50 yards or longer through 11 games. -- Stephen Holder

We gave you the premonitory playoff warning in last week's rankings, and that was when the Colts were in the AFC's No. 9 slot. Thanks to Sunday's solid victory over the Bucs and losses by Buffalo and Houston, the Colts have slid into the seventh and final playoff spot -- for now. Why hasn't there been more Shane Steichen Coach of the Year buzz? Perhaps it's because his offense has been tepid at times, even considering the QB situation, and the Colts lost three straight games not long ago. But now they've quietly won three straight, with the Jonathan Taylor-Zack Moss duo punishing Tampa Bay for four quarters Sunday. Michael Pittman Jr. has been on a great clip since mid-October, too, and his free-agent price tag keeps going up with every big game he stacks ... But that's a conversation for another day. Right now, there's a playoff murmur in Indy.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: After publishing on Tuesday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Jonathan Taylor suffered a thumb injury that will require surgery force him to miss a couple of weeks.

Shane Steichen has done a nice job getting this team to 6-5 and in the playoff race. With a soft schedule, they have a real chance to make it.

Neither QB Anthony Richardson nor LB Shaquille Leonard are on the 53-man roster, but both were in Lucas Oil Stadium for Sunday's win over Tampa Bay. They watched Indianapolis climb into the projected playoff field, motivation for the rehabbing rookie and classy former All-Pro as Leonard looks to continue his career elsewhere — maybe in Dallas or Philadelphia.

Best case: Playoffs

The Colts are the seventh seed at the moment and play only two more teams with a winning record — the Steelers and Texans. And this is with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Jonathan Taylor had his second 90-plus-yard rushing game of the season (91 on 15 carries), and Indianapolis is 11th in the league in scoring (23.3). Shane Steichen has entered the Coach of the Year conversation.

This is the current playoff team we are talking the least about. Jonathan Taylor is the Colts' only star player, and he didn't even suit up until Week 5. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew is doing just enough to stay out of the way. Zaire Franklin is one of the best defenders in the league we don't talk about. Not a great team, but a team that's clearly doing enough to be in the conversation.

Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed played 117 of a possible 120 snaps at linebacker Sunday. They combined for 13 tackles and the Colts won again. The Shaquille Leonard release was surprising, but part of why his playing time had been lessened was that the Colts were in good shape at linebacker without him.

Gardner Minshew should be wearing jorts and smoking Camels as a starter for someone next year.

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