Indianapolis Colts 24.4 PPG, Sacks 51: 5th

The Indianapolis Colts had an up and down 2023, and their defensive statistics are a bit of an anomaly. The Colts finished allowing the fifth most points per game, with 24.4. They also recorded 51 sacks which was the fifth most in the NFL. The inverse relationship does not hold true in most cases, but there are exceptions for everything, and the Colts defensive stats are one of them.

They had an almost even distribution of sacks, the same can not be same for the tackles, Zaire Franklin led the way but more on him later. The Colts seemed to be in several games in 2023, but could not find ways to close it out. The offense and the defense are at fault for that, and both should be better in 2024. The real question for Indianapolis is can Anthony Richardson remain healthy, and play 17 (or more) games this season.

2024 Projection: 25th

A small climb in the defense rankings is on the board for the Colts. Indianapolis has 9 defensive players they drafted, 1 player they picked up on waivers prior to starting an NFL game, and 1 player they traded for. Ten players have started exclusively for this defense, most of them exclusively for Gus Bradley. The Colts could have a much better defense than the 25th projection.

The Colt should have a great defensive line, an excellent interior linebacker core, and better than average secondary. The AFC South is tricky to predict, but all three division rivals should improve from who they were last year… but so should the Colts. 

Defensively it all starts with DeForest Buckner, and he will be discussed later, but the Colts feel comfortable with the defensive starts they have. Due to injury, and because of his great athletic ability, first round pick, Laiatu Latu, will be a starter. And he is one of only two 2024 defensive draft picks for the Colts. The front office has faith in their coaches, veterans, and leaders. For good reason too. Indianapolis has some of the best IDPs in the league, including the possible leading point scorer.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

LB – Zaire Franklin

DL – DeForest Buckner

DB – Kenny Moore II

Zaire Franklin was close to the top overall IDP in 2023, and he could be THE top scorer in 2024. He set career marks last year, and has really excelled when given the opportunity to shine. His last two years have been stellar despite the lack of Pro Bowl or All-Pro awards. Franklin has set career best in combined, solo, and assisted tackles each of the last three seasons.

Last year Franklin ended with 179 combined tackles and 107 solo tackles, excellent marks for a linebacker. He also tacked on 6 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks. Franklin has risen from the seventh round draft pick to a NFL star, and he is no longer a secret. He is one of the first five linebackers drafted, and he requires spending up in the draft room regardless if it is snake or auction. Franklin is a plug and play, set and forget linebacker. Just cover his bye week and there is potential for the #1 IDP of 2024 to be on the roster.

DeForest Buckner is what makes everything work, and he is the only defensive Colt player that has played for another team. Although Aaron Donald received more attention and praise, there is a valid debate that Buckner is, and has been, the better defensive tackle during his tenure. Donald predominantly gets more attention due to geography, as Buckner was receiving more attention when in San Francisco. 

Buckner’s numbers are almost identical from four years in San Francisco and Indianapolis. And although it’s debatable which 99 is better, one conclusive fact is not debatable. D. Buckner has produces/produced better interior linebacker stats/players than A. Donald did in his entire career. The list is impressive; Fred Warner, Shaquile Leonard, Bobby Okereke, Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed have all put up elite numbers while playing behind Buckner. It is in fact part of the reason Zaire Franklin is a top five linebacker.


This may not translate to fantasy football success, but 81 tackles, 21 QB hits, 11 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 7 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown are impressive stats too. The 7 passes defended were a career high, and the 1 fumble touchdown was a share of the lead for 2023. Buckner has much more value in leagues in which a defensive tackle is required, but still has some value in standard leagues, leagues with deep benches, and leagues which require more than one defensive lineman to be rostered.

Kenny Moore II is a bonafide stud in the secondary, and it shows year after year. He has three years with double-digit passes defended, and since then quarterbacks have been hesitant to throw his way. The ones that do can get badly burned. Moore II intercepted three passes in 2023, and two of them were the rare, and highly exciting “pick-6”. That is an interception returned for a touchdown. 

He also amassed 93 combined tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 6 passes defended, and 1.5 sacks, incredible marks for a defensive back. He is a nickel back that is versatile in the new hybrid era of the position. He has full trust of Gus Bradley, and he could have another Pro Bowl level season in 2024. 

It is difficult to predict Kenny Moore II’s draft value. He is drafted in different rounds, but he does have value in standard leagues and almost every other league. He should go near the end of most drafts, but reaching a few rounds for Moore II is not a bad idea. Should the Colts play with more positive game scripts his passes defended and interceptions could go up, as well as his sacks. 

Tomorrow the Carolina Panthers.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.