The Colts’ 2024 season schedule was revealed Wednesday night, and now we can finally start to envision the upcoming season. It will kick off with an exciting game against the Houston Texans and conclude with a showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, both taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With the dates and times set for all the games, it’s time to dive into some interesting facts, notes, and trivia about this year’s schedule. Sit back and get ready to learn all about what the 2024 season has in store for the Colts.
1. Week 18 oddities
For the sixth year in a row, the Colts will wrap up their season playing either the Texans or the Jaguars. This year, they will face off against the Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 18, which happened to be the Week 1 game in 2023. Strangely enough, it’s been quite some time since the Colts ended their season against the Tennessee Titans; the last time was in 2018, and that game was played at Nissan Stadium.
Even more intriguing is the fact that the Colts haven’t played a season finale against the Titans at home since 2015. Additionally, the Colts have not concluded a season in Houston against the Texans since 2003.
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These patterns in scheduling make for some intriguing matchups and could influence the Colts odds to win.
2. Front-Loaded
Out of the Colts’ six divisional games, they will play four of them before Week 9, making the first half of the season crucial. What’s even more challenging is that all three of their divisional road games will take place in quick succession. They will face Jacksonville in Week 5, Tennessee in Week 6, and Houston in Week 8.
This isn’t the first time the Colts have had to deal with such a packed early schedule. In 2023, the Colts played 4 of 6 AFC South games before Week 7. Likewise, in 2022, they finished five of their six AFC South games by Week 8. This scheduling pattern makes the start of the season important for the team’s momentum and could have a significant impact on the Colts’ early standings.
3. Rookies All Over
This year’s schedule presents a unique challenge for the Colts, with four teams on their roster having used a first-round pick on a quarterback. These teams include the Chicago Bears with Caleb Williams, the New England Patriots with Drake Maye, the Minnesota Vikings with J.J. McCarthy, and the Denver Broncos with Bo Nix.
If all these rookies end up starting, it will be the first time since 1983 that the Colts have faced so many first-round rookie quarterbacks in one season. Back in 1983, they faced John Elway and Dan Marino twice each.
This season, encountering four different first-round rookie quarterbacks could potentially make history, as the Colts have never before faced such a scenario. This adds an element of unpredictability to the Colts’ season, making each game against these rookies highly anticipated and exciting.
4. History Lesson
Two of the Colts’ most significant games have been against the Chicago Bears. The Colts’ first game as an NFL team was against the Bears in 1953. In that game, they won 13-9, even though they had only nine first downs while the Bears had 20.
Fast-forward 53 years to Super Bowl XLI, and the Colts once again faced the Bears. This time, it was a much bigger stage, and the stakes were higher. The Colts emerged victorious, securing their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history and their first since relocating to Indianapolis in 1984. These pivotal games against the Bears have been memorable highlights in the Colts’ storied past.
5. Back in the Groove: The New Jersey Story
This year, the Colts will experience a unique schedule quirk by playing two games at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. They will face the New York Jets in Week 11 on Sunday Night Football and the New York Giants in Week 17, marking the first time they will do the MetLife Stadium double. This isn’t the first time the Colts have had such scheduling oddities. In the past, they played two games at the old Giants Stadium in 2006, 1999, and 1993, which was the former home of both the Jets and the Giants.
Looking ahead, the Colts will break new ground in 2025 when they play two games in Los Angeles for the first time in franchise history, facing both the Rams and the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. These unique scheduling elements add an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the Colts’ seasons, both this year and in the future.
The Takeaway
The 2024 season is shaping up to be an exciting journey for the Colts and their fans. With a schedule packed with historic rivalries, challenging rosters, and significant matchups, each game promises to deliver thrilling football action.
Starting strong with front-loaded divisional games, facing multiple rookie quarterbacks, and breaking unique records highlight the potential for an unforgettable season. The Colts’ ability to navigate through these challenges will be key in defining their success.
Fans have much to look forward to, from iconic rematches to special doubleheaders, making this season one to watch closely. Whether at home or on the road, the Colts are set to provide memorable moments throughout the year.
