The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) rolled into the east coast to pull off an upset victory over the Baltimore Ravens (2-1) in Week 3, further proof that a major culture change is underway.
Despite being without starting quarterback Anthony Richardson and center Ryan Kelly, the Colts competed their tails off on the road against a Ravens team that was one of the biggest favorites of the week.
Buy Colts TicketsThe upset victory caught the attention of the national media, resulting in a major spike throughout the power rankings. In most cases, the Colts jumped between 7-10 spots in the power rankings, and their highest ranking is No. 13.
Each week, we’ll round up where the Colts sit in the power rankings according to several outlets. Next to their ranking, the number in parentheses indicates the change from the previous week. A positive number means they’re moving up the power rankings.
Here’s where the Colts stand in the Week 4 power rankings:
USA TODAY
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 19 (+7)
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Author’s Take: “Jonathan who? Indianapolis has leaned heavily on RB Zack Moss during its surprising two-game win streak to the tune of 48 carries and 210 yards.”
Touchdown Wire
Author: Jarrett Bailey
Rank: 18 (+6)
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Author’s Take: “Okay I changed my mind- the Colts are the Lions of 2023. Shane Steichen’s system is working wonders in Indy, and they just beat the Ravens on the road with Gardner Minshew at the helm. At 2-1, their defense is super fun and filled with underrated talent, and the offense is coming into its own.”
Bleacher Report
Author: NFL Staff
Rank: 20 (+7)
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Author’s Take: “Not many folks gave the Indianapolis Colts much of a chance in Week 3. The Colts were on the road at Baltimore against an undefeated Ravens team without the services of rookie starting quarterback Anthony Richardson.
But there’s a reason they play the games—and while it wasn’t an especially pretty performance, the Colts stunned the Ravens in overtime to move into first place in the AFC South.
Playing on a wet field in Baltimore, both teams had difficulty moving the ball consistently. The conditions set the stage for Colts kicker Matt Gay to one-up the great Justin Tucker and be the hero for Indianapolis. Gay kicked an NFL record four field goals from over 50 yards out, including the game-winner.
“Through three games, the Colts sit atop the AFC South with a 2-1 record,” Sobleski said. “Just like everyone expected, right? Somehow, Indianapolis escaped Sunday with a victory despite quarterback Anthony Richardson, center Ryan Kelly and running back Jonathan Taylor not being in the lineup. While the Colts needed an NFL-record four 50-yard field goals from kicker Matt Gay to eke out an overtime victory, the preparedness and fight shown by the team speaks well of new head coach Shane Steichen. Indianapolis is still deficient in certain areas, but it’s no longer dysfunctional. Competent teams are tough to beat each week.”
ESPN NFL Nation
Author: Stephen Holder
Rank: 20 (+7)
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Author’s Take: “Offensive efficiency: 22.7 (28th)
Biggest issue on offense: Too few big plays
The Colts have sputtered a bit on offense when you view the unit from the perspective of yards per play. They ranked 25th through Sunday with 4.6 yards per play, making it difficult to finish drives because they are moving the ball in small chunks. Some of that is the product of QB Anthony Richardson being out of the lineup for the past six quarters with a concussion. The Colts are starting to show some promise on offense, but to progress to the next step, they’ll need to be much more explosive.”
Sporting News
Author: Vinnie Iyer
Rank: 24 (+2)
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Author’s Take: “They are the first place team in the AFC South without Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson, showing that Shane Steichen’s offense can be special. Their defense is also compensating well for holes vs. the pass.”
Pro Football Network
Author: Dalton Miller
Rank: 13 (+11)
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Author’s Take: “There may not be a nicer surprise than the Indianapolis Colts so far in 2023 – despite losing an opportunity to see Anthony Richardson and Lamar Jackson face off in a dynamic duel. Instead, Gardner Minshew was busy doing his best Dan Orlovsky impression.
But despite fielding an underwhelming career backup, the Colts toppled a Ravens team that, while facing injury issues, should still be one of the better teams in the AFC. The Colts gutted out the win thanks to some decent fortune and a strong defensive performance that forced Lamar Jackson into “doing too much” mode.”
NFL.com
Author: Eric Edholm
Rank: 28 (+2)
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Author’s Take: “It would have been easy to look at the Colts to start the season, especially after the Jonathan Taylor drama crested, and wonder if last year’s nightmare ever ended. But since the competitive loss in Week 1, the Colts have won impressively on the road in back-to-back games. The Utah duo of Zack Moss and Matt Gay was heroic in the overtime win at Baltimore, but so was a defense that made big stops and cranked up the pressure. The big surprise Sunday was how much the Colts blitzed (40% blitz rate), something they typically do more selectively. But these are important victories for a club that’s had to repeatedly lick its wounds in recent years. The Colts are growing thicker skin now.”
Yahoo Sports
Author: Frank Schwab
Rank: 19 (+8)
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Author’s Take: “There was so much going on in the NFL on Sunday that the Colts’ win might be overlooked. They went on the road against a 2-0 Ravens team, without quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor, and got the first huge win of the Shane Steichen era. Is it possible this will be the 2023 AFC South champion?”
CBS Sports
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 14 (+10)
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Author’s Take: “Beating the Ravens on the road is a good look for this team, which is in first place. Doing it with a backup quarterback in Gardner Minshew makes it even more impressive.”
