The Colts allowed 26 points and 273 yards to the Steelers in Week 9's loss.

Analysis: The Colts managed to force two turnovers and sacked Mason Rudolph once, which salvaged some fantasy value. They now have a perfect opportunity to get right against the putrid Dolphins, who just showcased their best effort of the season against one of the league's worst defenses, posting 26 points against the Jets. The Dolphins will now be without two of their top talents, as WR Preston Williams (knee) is out for the year and RB Mark Walton has been suspended four games. The loss of Williams…read more

CB Pierre Desir (hamstring) could miss Week 9's game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Desir serves in an every-snap role when he's healthy, but his status is uncertain, which could leave Kenny Moore, Rock Ya-Sin and Shakial Taylor as the top three corners. Now, Mason Rudolph can struggle with accuracy -- he completed 56 percent of his passes in Week 8 -- but he was slinging balls downfield, as he led the league this past Sunday with a 12.8 aDOT. His fearlessness to send the ball downfield allowed him to notch 251 yards. The Colts would be in best shape to have their secondary…read more

The Colts held the Texans to 23 points in Week 7's win.

Analysis: The Colts have now held two of the league's premier offenses -- the Texans and the Chiefs -- to a combined 36 points over their last two games and forced three turnovers in the process. Now, the Broncos are coming to town sans WR Emmanuel Sanders, so the Colts can put all their focus onto stopping WR Courtland Sutton and the run game. They haven't been great against the run this year, ranking 19th in the league with 111 rushing yards against per game, but the upside here is massive, as QB Joe…read more

The Colts held the Chiefs to just 13 points and 288 passing yards in Week 5.

Analysis: The Colts showcased their underrated defense against the Chiefs, and now they'll be getting LB Darius Leonard (concussion) back after the bye week. The Texans are similarly talented as the Chiefs, as QB Deshaun Watson displayed by with a 31-24 road win in Week 6. They have a ton of pass-catching weapons, and Watson hasn't been sacked in two weeks. However, the Texans will be without starting RT Tytus Howard (knee), so it'll be tough for Watson to stay upright again. Still, Colts D/ST carries…read more

The Colts have forced four turnovers in four games.

Analysis: The Colts rank 13th in the league with 214.8 passing yards allowed per game, but that's smoke and mirrors considering they've played the Raiders and the Titans. Against tougher competition, they allowed over 300 yards to both the Chargers and the Falcons. This will be their biggest test yet against QB Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Mahomes has tossed for at least 315 yards in each game, and the Chiefs have notched 28 points in every matchup. Now, there's a chance WR Tyreek Hill (shoulder)…read more

FS Malik Hooker (knee) is out 4-to-6 weeks.

Analysis: Hooker is strong in coverage, particularly against the deep ball. The Raiders don't have any true burners, but this will still affect their defensive abilities against the likes of WR Tyrell Williams and TE Darren Waller. After those two, however, there's a steep talent dropoff among Raiders' pass-catchers. The Colts have the talent at corner with Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore (forearm) to contain Williams, and if Darius Leonard (concussion) can return it'll help stop RB Josh Jacobs. Meanwhile,…read more

CB Pierre Desir is dealing with a knee injury ahead of Week 3's game versus the Falcons.

Analysis: Desir has a low chance of actually suiting up in this game, depleting the Colts' secondary as it faces off against a versatile tandem of Julio Jones (137 yards, three scores) and Calvin Ridley (169 yards, two scores). In his place, Rock Ya-Sin and Quincy Wilson would fill in, but neither are established corners like Desir and it will be a steep drop off. The Colts do have an edge in the trenches, however, as the Falcons' backfield doesn't have an identity with zero total rushing touchdowns and…read more

The Colts allowed 30 points and 435 yards in Week 1's overtime loss to the Chargers.

Analysis: The Chargers gained 75 yards and scored a touchdown in the overtime period, but the point stands that the Colts had trouble containing dual-threat RB Austin Ekeler, who scampered for 156 scrimmage yards and three scores. However, the Colts were able to gain fantasy value back by sacking QB Philip Rivers four times and forcing two turnovers. While Titans RB Derrick Henry isn't as versatile as Ekeler -- he's never caught more than 15 passes in a season -- he's just as explosive of a runner and…read more

DE Jabaal Sheard is dealing with a knee injury ahead of Sunday's game versus the Chargers.

Analysis: It's unclear whether Sheard will be ready to play or not, and his absence would hurt the team's pass rush -- he had at least five sacks in four straight seasons. They'll need the boost in that area as well after ranking 19th with 37 sacks last year, but the addition of Justin Houston on the opposite side should help. Even if the Chargers have a mediocre offensive line and no Melvin Gordon (holdout), they have plenty of versatile weapons including RB Austin Ekeler and WR Keenan Allen. They…read more

DE Jabaal Sheard underwent knee surgery and could miss the start of the regular season.

Analysis: The Colts entered last season with one of the worst defenses in the league but surprised everyone to finish ranked 10th in total defense (339.4 YPG) and 10th in scoring defense (21.5 PPG), thanks in part to the breakout rookie campaign from LB Darius Leonard. The offseason addition of DE Justin Houston should bolster the pass rush, but if Sheard is forced to miss significant time the front-line depth will take a hit. Thursday's preseason opener against the Bills could help the unit ease into…read more

The Colts are ranked 11th in total defense (344.9 YPG) entering their Week 17 matchup with the Titans.

Analysis: Indianapolis had a lackluster showing against the Giants last week, allowing three touchdown drives of more than 70 yards while recording zero sacks and only one turnover. The Titans -- currently on a four-game win streak -- await in the regular-season finale, with the winner heading to the playoffs. QB Marcus Mariota sustained a stinger Week 16 and his status is up in the air, along with the the Titans' playoff hopes. The Colts are tied for 11th in takeaways (23) and could have a prime…read more

The Colts enter their Week 16 matchup with the Giants ranked 10th in the NFL in total defense (341.5 YPG).

Analysis: The Colts completely stifled the Cowboys in Week 15, limiting them to 292 total yards and delivering their first shutout of the season. The Giants themselves were shut out 17-0 by the Titans last week after averaging 35 points in the previous two games. Indianapolis is allowing an average of 12.2 points over the last five games and hasn't allowed more than 315 yards of offense in that stretch. Odell Beckham (quadriceps) may not be available, which would be a significant blow to New York's…read more

The Colts held the Texans to just 315 total yards of offense in last Sunday's 24-21 win.

Analysis: Surprisingly, Indianapolis' defense ranks near the top of the league spanning the last month. Over their last four contests, the Colts are yielding just north of 15.0 PPG. In each of those four games, Indy has kept their opponents to 315 yards or below. This week's tilt with Dallas could present some challenges for the Colts defensive front. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott currently leads the NFL with 1,262 rushing yards and went for 113 yards during last week's win over the Eagles. If…read more

The Colts held the Jags to just 211 total yards of offense during last Sunday's 6-0 loss.

Analysis: Despite the loss, Indianapolis dished out quite possibly its best defensive performance of the season. While the defense isn't at a revered level just yet, this group isn't your father's Colts' defense either. Following Sunday's outcome, the Colts have now kept opponents under 10 points in three games this season. The pieces to build around are in place. All that's left is consistency. Sunday's test against Houston could bring about some challenges for the young group. The last time these two…read more

The Colts are yielding 17.0 PPG over their last two contests.

Analysis: Without sugarcoating it, Indianapolis' five-game win streak has been courtesy of Andrew Luck's stellar play under center. Sure, rookie linebacker Darius Leonard has been a bright spot for this defense, but the Colts' defense isn't exactly a unit that others fear come kickoff. The Colts are conceding 24.8 PPG, which isn't all too steep, but the bigger concern remains in the inevitable letdown. Indianapolis has proven to be vulnerable to defensive breakdowns every so often this season. The Jets…read more

The Colts are tied for fifth in the NFL with 19 takeaways heading into Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Indianapolis has had its defensive troubles this season but is coming off one of their better efforts of the year as they held the Titans to 10 points and 263 yards while recording five sacks and a pair of turnovers last week. Meanwhile the Dolphins are set to get back starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill back from the shoulder injury that cost him the last five games. Tannehill's return makes this matchup a bit more of an unknown, but he did have eight giveaways through five games before…read more

The Colts boast the 26th-ranked scoring defense entering their Week 11 tilt with the Titans.

Analysis: The Colts are riding a three-game win streak but that's no thanks to their defense. Indianapolis has conceded at least 26 points in five of its last six contests and is yielding 376.2 YPG (23rd in NFL). While second-round draft pick Darius Leonard has proven to be worth every penny up to this point, the Colts have too many holes elsewhere. Unpredictable and unreliable, Indianapolis is probably worth avoiding if possible, despite a favorable matchup against a low-powered Tennessee offense.