Colts Preview Capsule

Posted August 22, 2019 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (11-7)

New faces: DE Justin Houston, WRs Devin Funchess and Parris Campbell, CB Rock Ya-Sin, senior offensive assistant coach Howard Mudd.

Key losses: OL Matt Slauson, OL coaches Dave DeGuglielmo and Bobby Johnson, S Mike Mitchell, LB Najee Goode, DT Al Woods, TE Ryan Hewitt, WRs Ryan Grant and Dontrelle Inman.

Strengths: Colts offensive line went from worst to first - in sacks allowed - last season and should be better with same starters for second straight season. Addition of Funchess gives Andrew Luck or Jacoby Brissett another big threat in red zone and there's deep pool of talented receivers. Brissett also has made big strides since starting 15 games in 2017. All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard led league in tackles as rookie and expects to exceed that total in 2019. And deep, talented secondary could help defense make big jump.

Weaknesses: Injuries already have taken toll. Luck missed all offseason workouts, all of training camp with exception of three limited practices and might not be ready for Sept. 8 season opener. Kicker Adam Vinatieri, NFL's career scoring leader, missed most of training camp with knee injury, All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson has been slowed by ankle injury and WR Daurice Fountain has been lost for season with dislocated and fractured left ankle. Linebackers are young and depth could be problem.

Fantasy Players To Watch: WR Deon Cain and TE Jack Doyle. Regardless of which quarterback starts season, Doyle and Cain should be solid options. Cain has big-play skills and Doyle, 2017 Pro Bowler when Andrew Luck sat out, has been go-to target for Luck and Brissett during career. And both will be undervalued because they struggled with injuries in 2018.

Vegas Says: Win Super Bowl 12-1. Over/under wins 10.

Expectations: Big question, of course, is Luck's lower left leg. If Luck is healthy, Colts will be favored to win AFC South and could emerge as Super Bowl contender. But even if Luck isn't ready for season opener, this season shouldn't be repeat of 2017 debacle. Why? Supporting cast is significantly stronger. Colts have top-five offensive line, deep pool of talented receivers, two Pro Bowl tight ends and solid backfield. Defense is much better, too. Addition of Houston should strengthen pass rush. And after finishing 11th overall last season, defense appears primed to finish in top 10.

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FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2019 file photo Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game in Houston. The popular pick to win the AFC South all offseason has been Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. The ever-changing diagnosis for his strained left calf and ankle is dredging up bad memories of 2017 when his recovery from shoulder surgery kept him out all season. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke, File) The Associated Press

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