Colts will open at Buffalo, have 5 prime-time games
The NFL announced its 2015 schedule Tuesday night. The Indianapolis Colts -- based on 2014 winning percentages -- have the second-easiest schedule in the league at .416. The Atlanta Falcons, one of the Colts' opponents next season, is listed with the easiest schedule.
Here's the Colts' schedule, with the opponent's 2014 record, what they have done since the end of last season and their anticipated draft needs. The NFL draft is April 30-May 2.
SEPT. 13 AT BUFFALO (9-7), 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: This is one of the trendy picks to make a move in 2015, and that's hardly a stretch. The Bills already were one of the best defensive clubs in the NFL, and they've now added one of the best defensive minds: coach Rex Ryan. Trading for running back LeSean McCoy changes the complexion of the offense makes this a tough road trip.
The last time they met: The Colts won 20-13 in 2012.
Draft needs -- Who's the quarterback? There are plenty of bodies but perhaps no starter. The O-line may get attention.
Gains: Coach Rex Ryan; RB LeSean McCoy (PHL); QB Tyrod Taylor; FB Jerome Felton (MIN); WR Percy Harvin (NYJ); TE Charles Clay (MIA); G Richie Incognito; QB Matt Cassel
Losses: RB C.J. Spiller (NO); TE Scott Chandler (NE); TE Lee Smith (OAK); OT Chris Hairston (SD); OG Erik Pears (SF); LB Brandon Spikes; S Da'Norris Searcy (TEN); S C.J. Spillman.
SEPT. 21 VS. NEW YORK JETS (4-12), 8:30 P.M., ESPN
Analysis: The Jets defense poses a major threat to the Colts, but whether their offense can present a similar challenge, in spite of the quarterback concerns, remains to be seen. Either way, the Colts will get re-acquainted with cornerback Darrelle Revis, who dominated the Colts last season while with the Patriots.
The last time they met: The Jets smacked the Colts 35-9 in 2012.
Draft needs: Quarterback and offensive line are in play, as is outside linebacker.
Gains: Coach Todd Bowles; CB Darrelle Revis (NE); CB Antonio Cromartie (ARZ); CB Buster Skrine (CLE); S Marcus Gilchrist (SD); G James Carpenter (SEA); OL James Brewer (NYG); WR Brandon Marshall; QB Ryan Fitzpatrick; RB Stevan Ridley (NE); TE Kellen Davis (DET); OG James Carpenter (SEA); DE Stephen Bown (WAS); DE Ronald Talley (TB); DE Kevin Vickerson (KC)
Losses: RB Chris Johnson; WR Percy Harvin; QB Michael VIck; DT Kenrick Ellis (NYG); LB Nick Bellore (SF); CB Phillip Adams (ATL)
SEPT. 27 AT TENNESSEE (2-14), 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: The Titans haven't won a game here since 2007, one of only two road wins against the Colts since the formation of the AFC South. Whether they are any closer to registering another win in Indianapolis is debatable, at best.
OCT. 4 VS. JACKSONVILLE (3-13), 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: The Jags are slowly, but surely, building something on offense. The addition of tight end Julius Thomas makes them more formidable, and they don't figure to be an easy out – even with the Colts playing at home.
The last time they met: Two more wins for the Colts, 23-3 and 44-17. The games weren't that close.
Draft needs: Their pass rush is lacking, so defensive end and linebacker are critical.
Gains: TE Julius Thomas (DEN); WR Bryan Walters (SEA); OT Jermey Parnell (DAL); C Stefen Wisniewski (OAK); DT Jared Odrick (MIA); LB Dan Skuta (SF); CB Davon House (GB); S Sergio Brown (IND);
Losses: WR Cecil Shorts III (HOU); WR Nathan Slaughter (ARZ); OT Austin Pasztor; LB J.T. Thomas (NYG); CB Will Blackmon (SEA); CB Teddy Williams (CAR); S Sherrod Martin
OCT. 8 AT HOUSTON (9-7), 8:25 P.M., CBS, NFL
Analysis: The Texans have never won a game at Lucas Oil Stadium or, for that matter, in Indianapolis. They are 0-13 all-time in the Circle City, but they believe they're an improved team. We shall see.
The last time they met: The Colts swept the Texans last year, winning 17-10 and 33-28.
Draft needs: Will they take another shot at a quarterback? Their defense is in a lot better shape than their offense.
Gains: DL Vince Wilfork (NE); S Rahim Moore (DEN); QB Brian Hoyer (CLE); WR Cecil Shorts III (JAX); WR Nate Washington (TEN).
Losses: FS Kendrick Lewis (BAL); WR Andre Johnson (IND); C Chris Myers; QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jets); QB Case Keenum (STL); LB Brooks Reed (ATL); S Danieal Manning.
OCT. 18 VS. NEW ENGLAND (12-4), 8:30 P.M., NBC
Analysis: Whatever comes out of the DeflateGate investigation (tick, tick, tick), this game is going to be must-see TV. There is no love lost between the franchises after the Colts reported to league officials that the Patriots were allegedly using underinflated balls in January's AFC Championship Game.
The last they met: Whether footballs were deflated or not had little to do with New England's 45-7 victory in the AFC Championship Game. The Patriots also won in the regular season 42-20.
Draft needs: Losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner makes cornerback an area of concern, though they hope three signings fill in some of the gaps. New England would also like to find someone who occupies offensive linemen they way Vince Wilfork did.
Gains: DE Sabaal Sheard (CLE); RB Travaris Cadet (NO); TE Scott Chandler (BUF); CB Robert McClain (ATL); CB Bradley Fletcher (PHL); CB Chmidi Chekwa (OAK); LB Jonathan Freeny (MIA).
Losses: CB Darrelle Revis (NYJ); CB Brandon Browner; OL Dan Connolly; RB Shane Vereen; DL Vince Wilfork; LB Jonathan Casillas (NYG); LB Akeem Ayers (STL).
OCT. 25 VS. NEW ORLEANS (7-9), 1 P.M., Fox
Analysis: This is a pivotal year for the Saints. They seem to be going in the wrong direction and 2015 will be a good indicator of how much quarterback Drew Brees has left – especially now that tight end Jimmy Graham has left town. This will be one of their biggest tests.
The last time they met: Brees, it seemed, completed all of his passes for touchdowns in a 62-7 demolition in 2011.
Draft needs: So many of the people Brees passed to in recent years are gone. Linebacker is also an area of need.
Gains: RB C.J. Spiller (BUF); CB Brandon Browner (NE); C Max Unger (SEA); DE Anthony Spencer (DAL).
Losses: TE Jimmy Graham (SEA); RB Pierre Thomas; WR Kenny Stills (MIA); LB Curtis Lofton (OAK); WR Robert Meachem; OT Charles Brown; OT Gabe Carimi; DT Brandon Deaderick; DR Tyrunn Walker (DET); CB Patrick Robinson (SD)
NOV. 2 AT CAROLINA (7-8-1), 8:30 P.M., ESPN
Analysis: This one of just four playoff teams on the Colts' 2015 schedule. But in this case, we use the term "playoff team" loosely. A sub-.500 record hardly makes a team a contender. That said, if they fix their offensive line and get some contributors to help Cam Newton, the Panthers could pose a serious challenge.
The last time they met: Carolina handed the Colts their 11th straight loss in the 2011 season, 27-19.
Draft needs: Protecting Newton is a top priority, followed closely by getting him some receiving targets.
Gains: WR Jarrett Boykin (GB); WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ARZ); OT Michael Oher (TEN); LB Jason Trusnik (MIA); CB Charles Tillman (CHI); CB Teddy Williams (JAX); S Kurt Coleman (KC); OL Jonathan Martin (SF)
Losses: RB DeAngelo Williams (PIT); OT Garry Williams; OG Chris Scott; OG Gernando Velasco; C Kevin Matthews; DE Greg Hardy (DAL)
NOV. 8 VS. DENVER (12-4), 4:25 P.M., CBS
Analysis: Peyton Manning is 1-2 against his former team (including the postseason) and this is a chance to pull even as he attempts to get his team back in Super Bowl contention. This will be his first trip to Indianapolis since October 2013, but probably less emotional than his first visit.
The last time they met: The Colts eliminated the host Broncos 24-13 in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs, prompting a round of speculation about Manning's future. Manning is coming back. The last time he visited Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts gave him a video tribute before beating Denver 39-33.
Draft needs: Both lines will be in play. The Broncos will want to protect Manning and get after opposing QBs better than they did against the Colts. They also lost a valuable defender in S Rahim Moore.
Gains: TE Owen Daniels (HOU), S Darian Stewart (BAL), DL Antonio Smith (OAK), C Gino Gradkowski, LB Reggie Walker (SD), DL Vance Walker; G Shelley Smith (HOU); TE James Casey (PHL).
Losses: DL Terrance Knighton (WAS), TE Julius Thomas (JAX), S Rahim Moore (HOU); WR Wes Welker (unsigned); TE Jacob Tamme (ATL); OG Orlando Franklin (SD); C Will Montgomery (CHI); LB Nate Irving (IND).
NOV. 15 IS THE COLTS' BYE WEEK
NOV. 22 AT ATLANTA (6-10), 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: Are they rebuilding or just going through a few transitions? That's not immediately clear, but this we know -- the Georgia Dome might be a bit less intimidating without the Falcons piping in crowd noise – something they recently were disciplined for.
The last time they met: The Falcons blasted the still-winless Colts 31-7 in November 2011.
Draft needs: Atlanta needs people to get after the quarterback and a running back that can take some of the pressure off QB Matt Ryan.
Gains: Coach Dan Quinn; TE Tony Moeaki (SEA); TE Jacob Tamme (DEN): DE Adrian Clayborn (TB); DE O'Brien Schofield (SEA); LB Brooks Reed (HOU); CB Phillip Adams (NYJ)
Losses: RB Steven Jackson; RB Jacquizz Rodgers; WR Drew Davis; WR Harry Douglas (TEN); OT Justin Blalock; OT Cameron Bradfield; OT Mike Johnson; OT Jonathan Scott; DE Osi Umenyiora; DT Corey Peters (ARZ); LB Sean Weatherspoon (ARZ); CB Javier Arenas; CB Robert McClain (NE); S Dwight Lowery (IND)
NOV. 29 VS. TAMPA BAY (2-14), 1 P.M., Fox
Analysis: This could well be Jameis Winston's debut in Indianapolis given the Bucs' possession of the draft's No. 1 pick. If he indeed winds up in Tampa Bay, Winston will be throwing to a huge pair of receivers in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, both 6-5. Paging Vontae Davis.
The last time they met: The Bucs edged the Colts 24-17 early in Indianapolis' 2-14 season that eventually yielded Andrew Luck in the 2012 draft.
Draft needs: The Bucs will almost certainly take Winston with the first overall pick on April 30. They will likely make more moves to protect him. They're also in need of pass rushers.
Gains: LB Bruce Carter (DAL, 5 INTs); DE George Johnson (DET); DT Henry Melton (DAL); CB Sterling Moore (DAL); S Chris Conte (CHI)
Losses: QB Josh McCown (CLE): LT Anthony Collins; DE Michael Johnson; DE Ronald Talley (NYJ); WR Marcus Thigpen; OG Oniel Cousins; DE Da'Quan Bowers; DE Adrian Clayborn (ATL); DE Michael Johnson (CIN)
DEC. 6 AT PITTSBURGH (11-5), 8:30 P.M., NBC
Analysis: The Colts return to the site of one of their worst performances of 2014. Actually, scratch that: That game, a 51-34 blowout win, was one of the poorest defensive showing in Colts history (Ben Roethlisberger threw for a Steelers record 522 yards).
The last time they met: Roethlisberger came close to setting the NFL record for passing yards in a game and Andrew Luck also passed for 400 yards.
Draft needs: Their defense has lost tons of experience, a lot of it due to retirements. There are plenty of gaps in the defensive backfield.
Gain: RB DeAngelo Williams.
Losses: SS Troy Polamalu (retired); CB Brice McCain (MIA); LB Jason Worilds (retired); DE Brett Keisel; WR Lance Moore; CB Ike Taylor (retired).
DEC. 13 AT JACKSONVILLE, 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: The Colts have won their past two games at Jacksonville by a combined 40 points, registering blowout wins in the waterfront stadium in 2013 and 2014. Can they make it three consecutive? It'll be tougher this time with an improving opponent.
The last time they met: Two more wins for the Colts, 23-3 and 44-17. The games weren't that close.
Draft needs: Their pass rush is lacking, so defensive end and linebacker are critical.
Gains: TE Julius Thomas (DEN); WR Bryan Walters (SEA); OT Jermey Parnell (DAL); C Stefen Wisniewski (OAK); DT Jared Odrick (MIA); LB Dan Skuta (SF); CB Davon House (GB); S Sergio Brown (IND);
Losses: WR Cecil Shorts III (HOU); WR Nathan Slaughter (ARZ); OT Austin Pasztor; LB J.T. Thomas (NYG); CB Will Blackmon (SEA); CB Teddy Williams (CAR); S Sherrod Martin
DEC. 20 VS. HOUSTON (9-7), 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: This will be Andre Johnson's return to the only city in which he's played professional football – until now. The new Colts receiver is going to be beyond motivated to make his mark in this game. Look for Andrew Luck to feed him.
The last time they met: The Colts swept the Texans last year, winning 17-10 and 33-28.
Draft needs: Will they take another shot at a quarterback? Their defense is in a lot better shape than their offense.
Gains: DL Vince Wilfork (NE); S Rahim Moore (DEN); QB Brian Hoyer (CLE); WR Cecil Shorts III (JAX); WR Nate Washington (TEN).
Losses: FS Kendrick Lewis (BAL); WR Andre Johnson (IND); C Chris Myers; QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jets); QB Case Keenum (STL); LB Brooks Reed (ATL); S Danieal Manning.
DEC. 27 AT MIAMI (8-8), 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: The Dolphins are going to build their formidable defense around new signee Ndamukong Suh, and what a building block he is. This will be one of the biggest tests for the Colts' offensive line, a unit that was a bit too inconsistent in 2014.
The last time they met: The Dolphins beat the Colts 24-20 early in the 2013 season.
Draft needs: They lost a lot of their receiving corps and some offensive line depth.
Gains: DL Ndamuking Suh (from Lions); WR Kenny Stills; CB Brice McCain (PIT); TE Cameron Jordon; C J.D. Walton; QB Josh Freeman; RB LaMichael James; C J.D. Walton (NYG); Zack Bowman (NYG)
Losses: WR Brian Hartline (CLE); WR Brandon Gibson; OL Shelley Smith (DEN); DT Randy Starks; LB Dannell Ellerbe; WR Mike Wallace (MIN); TE Charles Clay (BUF); OT Nate Garner; OG Daryn Colledge (retired); C Samon Satele; DT Jared Odrick (JAX); DT Randy Starks (CLE); LB Jonathan Freeny (NE); LB Jason Trusnik (CAR); S Jimmy Wilson (SD)
JAN. 3 VS. TENNESSEE (2-14), 1 P.M., CBS
Analysis: The key for the Colts in these annual trips to Nashville has been avoiding letdowns. Last season's meaningless Week 17 matchup wasn't competitive, but in 2014 the Colts needed a fourth-quarter comeback and in 2013 they were pushed to overtime before pulling out a victory.
The last time they met: Two matchups, two Colts wins: 41-17 in September and 27-10 to close the regular season.
Draft needs: Quarterback is likely, and Marcus Mariota will likely be available. The Titans also need a running back.
Gains: WR Harry Douglas (ATL); TE Anthony Fasano (KC); LB Brian Orapko (WAS); CB Perrish Cox (SF); S Da'Norris Searcy (BUF)
Losses: QB Jake Locker (retired); RB Leon Washington; WR Kris Durham; WR Nate Washington (HOU); WR Damian Williams; TE Chase Coffman; OT Michael Oher (CAR); OT Will Svitek; OG Chris Spencer; S Bernard Pollard; T Michael Roos (retired)
PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Sunday, Aug. 16, at Philadelphia, 1 p.m., Fox
Saturday, Aug. 22, vs. Chicago, 7:30 p.m., Fox
Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. Louis, 8 p.m., Fox
Thursday, Sept. 3, vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m., Fox