Colts Aim to End Playoff Drought in 2026

3 keys for Indianapolis to return to the postseason after 5-year absence

Feb. 8, 2026 at 8:39am

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The Indianapolis Colts are determined to end their 5-year playoff drought and return to the postseason in 2026. To do so, the team must address three key areas: learning to win late-season games, staying healthy, and improving their pass rush to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Why it matters

The Colts have not made the playoffs since 2020, and their recent late-season collapses have been a source of frustration for the organization and fans. Returning to the postseason would be a major step forward for the franchise as they look to regain their status as an AFC contender.

The details

The Colts' inability to win crucial late-season games has been a recurring issue in recent years. Team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon acknowledged the need for the team to "face adversity better" and "finish games" more effectively. Injuries, particularly to key players like quarterback Daniel Jones, have also hampered the Colts down the stretch. Additionally, the team's defense struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing QBs, ranking 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric last season. Addressing these deficiencies in the offseason will be crucial for the Colts' playoff hopes.

  • The Colts last made the playoffs in 2020.
  • The Colts ended the 2025 season on an eight-game losing streak.

The players

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

Owner of the Indianapolis Colts, who acknowledged the team's need to improve at finishing games late in the season.

Daniel Jones

Colts quarterback who missed time due to injury late in the 2025 season.

Chris Ballard

General manager of the Indianapolis Colts, who will need to address the team's pass rush issues in the offseason.

Lou Anarumo

Defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, who will benefit from an improved pass rush.

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What they’re saying

“We just have to be able to face adversity better. It's about finishing games.”

— Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Owner, Indianapolis Colts (Indianapolis Star)

What’s next

The Colts will need to address their pass rush and late-season performance issues in the offseason through free agency and the draft. The team's success in these areas will be crucial to their playoff hopes in 2026.

The takeaway

The Colts' recent playoff drought has been a source of frustration, but the team believes it can return to the postseason in 2026 by learning to win late in the season, staying healthier, and improving their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. If they can address these key areas, the Colts could be back in the playoff mix in the near future.