Colts 2023 schedule: Here are their opponents for next season
The Indianapolis Colts finished 4-12-1 in the 2022 NFL season, placing third in the AFC South.
The NFL scheduling formula has the Colts playing their division foes twice a season every year. The rotation puts AFC South teams playing AFC North and NFC South opponents in 2023. Also, the Colts will play third-place teams from the AFC West (Las Vegas Raiders), NFC West (Los Angeles Rams) and AFC East (New England Patriots).
AFC teams will have 9 home games and 8 away games in 2023. Game dates and times will be determined in the spring.
AFC South opponents
The Colts will play these teams at home and away
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8, AFC South champs): The Jaguars surged late in the season, winning their last five games and the division. They're set at quarterback with Trevor Lawrence. The Colts split their meetings with the Jaguars, losing in Jacksonville (of course).
Tennessee Titans (7-10): Tennessee faded in the second half of season, losing their last seven games. The Titans' future at quarterback is murky, with Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis as possibilities. Tennessee beat the Colts twice in 2022.
Houston Texans (3-13-1): A rebuild is coming ... or, perhaps, continues.
Colts 2023 home games
Out-of-division opponents
Cleveland Browns (7-10): DeShaun Watson is scheduled to be the quarterback from Day 1 next season. He played the final six games in 2022 after a suspension. The Browns relied on their rushing game, and they were better defending the pass than the run.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8): The Steelers rallied from a poor start, winning their last four games. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett got valuable experience, with running back Najee Harris developing into a dual threat. Minkah Fitzpatrick anchored the Pittsburgh defense with six interceptions.
New Orleans Saints (7-10): The first year post-Sean Payton didn't go well until late, when they won their straight games before falling in their season finale. Quarterback will be a question. Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton and Taysom Hall all threw passes in 2022.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9, NFC South champs): After all the drama, quarterback Tom Brady and the Buccaneers won the division. There's plenty of talk that Brady might move on next season (though not necessarily into retirement).
Las Vegas Raiders (6-11): The Raiders were in such disarray, longtime quarterback Derek Carr left them for the final two weeks. The first season with Josh McDaniels as coach failed, including a loss to the Colts.
Los Angeles Rams (5-12): From Super Bowl champs to sitting out the playoffs. The Rams got buried under a ton of injuries, including to quarterback Matthew Stafford. Coach Sean McVay says he will consider stepping aside to pursue TV.
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Colts 2023 road games
Out-of-division opponents
Atlanta Falcons (7-10): Atlanta's first season without quarterback Matt Ryan didn't work out. Marcus Mariota led an offense that relied heavily on the run, and the defense struggled.
Baltimore Ravens (10-7, AFC playoffs): Though the Ravens will likely have a former MVP in Lamar Jackson at quarterback (he is up for free agency), they usually go as far as their defense (and kicker Justin Tucker) take them.
Carolina Panthers (7-10): Carolina fired its coach midseason, but its fortunes turned better in the aftermath. The Panthers will be looking for a new quarterback, though Sam Darnold played well in the closing weeks of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4, AFC North champs): The Bengals are set. The won their final eight games. Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase is a lethal passing combination.
New England Patriots (8-9): The Patriots narrowly missed the playoffs, falling to the Buffalo Bills in their season finale. Mac Jones just completed his second season as New England quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts schedule 2023: Here are the Indianapolis Colts' 2023 opponents
