Indianapolis Colts: 5 Bold Predictions For The 2016 NFL Season
The Indianapolis Colts are fresh off of the disappointment of their 2015 NFL season and are hoping to turn things back around this year. Andrew Luck will be back to full health following his injury plagued season, and the Colts seem to be on the same page. Jim Irsay chose to bring Chuck Pagano back as the head coach and also stuck with Ryan Grigson as his general manager, but the two will have to work better together to keep their jobs.
Looking ahead at the upcoming season, there are quite a few reasons for Colts fans to get excited for their team to bounce back.
It is going to be very entertaining, to say the very least, for the Colts and their fan base. They have a lot of talent on their roster once again this season, and assuming their key players stay healthy, they should be able to make a run in the playoffs.
Obviously, the Colts will have to contend with teams like the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans once again this season. Those three teams are all going to be very difficult to beat. There will be other teams that rise up throughout the season and become threats in the AFC, as well.
All of that being said, what five bold predictions can be made for the Indianapolis Colts heading into the 2016 NFL season?
Andrew Luck Will Win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award
After seeing the injury issues that Andrew Luck suffered through last season, bouncing back with an MVP season isn’t expected by many. Despite that fact, Luck has the talent and offensive weapons to make a run at the award. If he is able to stay healthy throughout the entire season and he learns how to stop forcing the issue and throwing interceptions, Luck will put up massive numbers and will at the very least be in the MVP conversation.
Frank Gore Will Rush for 1,200 Yards, 12 Touchdowns
Frank Gore ended last season just short of 1,000 yards, and it really bothered him. He will come out in 2016 looking to prove that he can still be one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL. Gore will come through with at least 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns throughout the season and will be a major threat for the Colts’ offense.
Robert Mathis Record At Least 15 Sacks
Perhaps the biggest issue for the Colts’ defense last season was their inability to rush the passer. Robert Mathis was unable to play a huge role due to his continued recovery from a torn Achilles. He will be back at 100 percent this season and will end the year with at least 15 sacks.
Indianapolis Colts Will Return To The Top Of The AFC South Division
Houston was able to sneak in and win the AFC South division title last season, but that will not be the case this year. Indianapolis will be out for revenge and will return to the top of the division. It won’t be easy for them to get there, but the Colts are the most talented team in the division, assuming their health holds up.
The Indianapolis Colts Will Win Super Bowl 51
Obviously the last bold prediction has to be that the Colts will win Super Bowl 51. They were expected to compete for a title last season, but that didn’t work out. This will be the year that they break through and win another Super Bowl.
Expect to see the Colts come out swinging right off the bat in 2016. They have a lot to prove this season and they will do everything in their power to do just that.
Do you think the Indianapolis Colts should be viewed as serious Super Bowl contenders? Will Andrew Luck bounce back with a big season in 2016? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
[Photo by AP Photo/Bob Leverone]
