Indianapolis Colts 2010 NFL Preview, Schedule, Odds, and Predictions: Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis Colts had an up and down year ending with a disappointing loss in Super Bowl LXIV 33-17 to the New Orleans Saints. I do mean Peyton Manning’s Colts, not President Bill Polian or head football coach Jim Caldwell’s, they are the Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts and after this year’s contract extension he could likely be an owner. After starting out 14-0 and pulling starters only to lose the final two games Manning and the rest of the team were upset, but this year Vegas oddsmakers have the PM Indianapolis Colts +450 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl.
Head Coach Caldwell took over a successful program for Tony Dungy last year and with Manning’s leadership had a very good rookie year. 2010 will be a better judge of his influence on the team as he has moved Tom Moore (Peyton’s only ever professional offensive coordinator) to Senior Offensive Assistant, which sounds like it’s a foot in the door to retirement, and promoted Clyde Christensen as the incoming play caller. Fortunately for Manning, he has the ability to change the play to what is best for the situation and shouldn’t be adversely affected by the change. The odds makers at Diamond have the Indianapolis Colts listed at +300 odds to win the 2010 AFC Championship.
Offensively the Colts will be strong again this season as obviously they still have one of the best quarterbacks of all time in Peyton Manning. The Colts have also made an effort to beef up their offensive line with the addition of free agents tackle Adam Terry (6’8″, 335) and guard Andy Alleman (6’4″, 310). The Colts also drafted Tennessee guard Jacques McClendon (6’3″, 324). This was in an effort to bolster their 31st ranked rushing game and if Joseph Addai doesn’t get the job done, look for more carries for second year back Donald Brown. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark will return as Manning’s favorite targets with continued Pro Bowl results. The Vegas oddsmakers have the Indianapolis Colts listed at -400 odds to win the 2010 AFC South.
Defensive captain Gary Brackett in the middle linebacker spot leads an improving defense that is looking to get depth it lacked in 2009. When the unit is healthy it is in the top 5 in the league, but injury prone safety Bob Sanders and lineman Dwight Freeney hobbled their effectiveness. Freeney along with Robert Mathis lead a formidable attack when healthy and should help the team to another winning season in 2010. The oddsmakers at Diamond have the Indianapolis Colts middle number listed at 11 wins for the 2010 NFL regular season.
Payton has the Colts streak of 12 or more wins at an incredible 7 straight seasons and I look for them to continue that with a 13-3 record for 2010. Indianapolis will easily with the AFC South and go deep into the playoffs as they are a team with a formula for success and the personal to pull it off.
2010 Preseason Schedule
1 Sun, Aug 15 vsSan Francisco 1:00 PM
2 Thu, Aug 19 @ Buffalo 7:30 PM
3 Thu, Aug 26 @ Green Bay 8:00 PM ESPN
4 Thu, Sep 2 vsCincinnati 7:00 PM
2010 Regular Season Schedule
1 Sun, Sep 12 @ Houston 1:00 PM CBS
2 Sun, Sep 19 vs New York 8:20 PM NBC
3 Sun, Sep 26 @ Denver 4:15 PM CBS
4 Sun, Oct 3 @ Jacksonville 4:05 PM CBS
5 Sun, Oct 10 vs Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS
6 Sun, Oct 17 @ Washington 8:20 PM NBC
7 BYE WEEK
8 Mon, Nov 1 vs Houston 8:30 PM ESPN
9 Sun, Nov 7 @ Philadelphia 4:15 PM CBS
10 Sun, Nov 14 vs Cincinnati 1:00 PM CBS
11 Sun, Nov 21 @ New England 4:15 PM CBS
12 Sun, Nov 28 vs San Diego 8:20 PM NBC
13 Sun, Dec 5 vs Dallas 4:15 PM FOX
14 Thu, Dec 9 @ Tennessee 8:20 PM NFL
15 Sun, Dec 19 vs Jacksonville 1:00 PM CBS
16 Sun, Dec 26 @ Oakland 4:05 PM CBS
17 Sun, Jan 2 vs Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS
PHOTO CREDIT: Indianapolis Colts logo image by xploitme(Flickr.com – Creative Commons License)