Saturday, December 26, 2020

Indianapolis Colts Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Indianapolis Colts rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 9.4 (10th)
  • Best ranking: 7th (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 11th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Colts in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 10

Wish: A fun playoff run. The Colts do a lot of things at a professional, competent level, but I don't know that they do anything well enough to be considered a real contender in the AFC. And that's OK. We often get wrapped up in championship or bust that we forget a lot of fandom is just about enjoying those three hours in front of the TV every week. If the Colts can offer that for a playoff game or two, this season should be considered a success.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 7

They have come alive on offense, but the defense is having some issues. They have to be better this week against the Steelers.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

No worse Pro Bowl snub this year than exclusion of DT DeForest Buckner, who anchors one of league's best defenses.

ESPN -- Rank: 10

Most underrated star: DL Denico Autry

Justin Houston and DeForest Buckner are the rightful headliners on the Colts' defensive line. But Autry has made his impact there, too. He is tied with Houston and Buckner for the team high in sacks, with 7.5. What makes Autry's performance even more impressive is that he has recorded those sacks while missing two games because he was on the reserve/COVID-19 list. -- Mike Wells

NFL.com -- Rank: 9

For the second time in three weeks, the Colts needed a near-miracle fumble recovery in the final minute to close out the Texans. This is not the most effective way to build your case as a legit Super Bowl contender, but Indianapolis has nothing to apologize for. To quote the great, late Jim Valvano: survive and advance. The big stars on defense stepped up: Darius Leonard forced the game-deciding fumble, surging from behind to punch the ball away from Texans receiver Keke Coutee inside the 5-yard line. Then there's DeForest Buckner, the Jenga piece of this defense, who played through an ankle injury to record three sacks of Deshaun Watson. Jim Irsay should float GM Chris Ballard a hefty Christmas bonus for his brilliant Buckner trade in March.

Previous update: Indianapolis Colts Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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