NFLPreview
8 takeaways from the Buffalo Bills' 2026 schedule release
Key Takeaways from the Buffalo Bills' 2026 Schedule Release
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NFLPreview
Colts must navigate difficult start to 2026 NFL season
TL;DR
The Indianapolis Colts face a challenging start to the 2026 NFL season, with tough matchups against elite quarterbacks and a strong defense. They will play the Ravens, Chiefs, and Texans in their first three games.
Key points
- Colts face a difficult start to the 2026 NFL season
- First three games against Ravens, Chiefs, and Texans
- Ravens and Chiefs have elite quarterbacks
- Texans possess a strong and disruptive defense
- Colts face only two playoff teams from 2025 in first five games
Mentioned in this story
Lamar JacksonPatrick MahomesCJ StroudNico Collins
Indianapolis ColtsBaltimore RavensKansas City ChiefsHouston Texans
The Indianapolis Colts will have to navigate a difficult start to the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
Through the first five games of the season, the Colts face only two playoff teams from 2025, however, that doesn't tell the entire story either.
In Weeks 1 and 2, the Colts take on Lamar Jackson's Ravens and then Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs. Both teams are coming off missed postseason appearances, but anytime you face a team with elite quarterback play, there are going to be obvious challenges.
In Week 3, the Colts face the Houston Texans, who boasted one of the stingiest and most disruptive defenses in football last season. Then, on offense, there is the combination of CJ Stroud and Nico Collins.
Week 4 consists of a trip to London to take on Washington, who is coming off a down season. That said, Jayden Daniels missed the majority of the year, and the games played abroad come with their unknowns.
To round out this stretch, the Colts did not get a bye week following the London game. Instead, they will be back on the road to take on the ' defense.
Q&A
What teams do the Colts play in the first five games of the 2026 NFL season?
The Colts will face the Ravens, Chiefs, and Texans in their first five games.
Who are the key players the Colts will face in their early season matchups?
The Colts will face elite quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, as well as CJ Stroud and Nico Collins from the Texans.
What challenges do the Colts face against the Ravens and Chiefs?
The Colts will encounter challenges due to the elite quarterback play of Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, both of whom can significantly impact the game.
