You're likely sitting on your couch, remote in hand, wondering if you missed the kickoff or if there's a game to look forward to this afternoon. If you're asking do the indianapolis colts play today, the short, blunt answer is no.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. While the NFL playoffs are currently in full swing with the Divisional Round, the Colts are watching from home. They didn't make the cut. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans who saw flashes of brilliance earlier in the year.
The Reality of the January 18 Schedule
The NFL calendar for today features some heavy hitters, but the Horseshoe isn't among them. Instead of a Colts game, the league is showcasing a double-header that defines the "survive and advance" mantra.
- 3:05 PM ET: The Houston Texans are taking on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
- 6:40 PM ET: The Los Angeles Rams are facing the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Seeing the Texans—a division rival—still playing while the Colts are in offseason mode definitely stings. Honestly, the AFC South was a bit of a rollercoaster this year, and while Houston managed to claw their way into this Divisional matchup, Indianapolis just couldn't find that late-season magic to stay relevant in January.
Why the Colts Aren't on Your TV Today
To understand why we're not watching the blue and white today, you've gotta look at how the 2025-2026 regular season wrapped up. The Colts finished with an 8-9 record.
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That record landed them in third place in the AFC South. In the hyper-competitive AFC, eight wins basically gets you a nice seat on the sofa. They weren't even the last team out; they were a few steps behind the wild card pace set by teams like the Bills and the Texans.
The season actually ended on a particularly sour note. On January 4, 2026, the Colts travelled to Houston for Week 18. It was a "win and hope" scenario, but they fell 38-30 to the Texans. That loss officially slammed the door on any postseason dreams. Shane Steichen’s squad showed a lot of grit, especially with an offense that ranked 8th in the league for points scored, but the defense just couldn't hold up their end of the bargain, ranking 21st in points allowed.
What Went Wrong?
It wasn't all bad, but it was inconsistent. That's the best way to describe it.
The team started hot. You might remember they were 7-1 at one point. People were talking about Super Bowl sleeper status. Then, the wheels sort of wobbled. They went on a brutal skid in November and December, losing five games in a row at one point. You can't do that in the NFL and expect to be playing on January 18.
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Injuries played a role—as they always do—but the secondary struggled to keep up with elite AFC quarterbacks. Even with Quenton Nelson earning another All-Pro nod, the offensive line's brilliance couldn't mask the late-game defensive collapses that defined the second half of their schedule.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since the answer to do the indianapolis colts play today is a resounding no, the conversation has already shifted to next year. The 2026 opponents have actually already been finalized because of where the Colts finished in the standings.
Because they finished third, they have a "third-place schedule." This means they'll face other third-place finishers like the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Home Games at Lucas Oil Stadium:
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- Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
- Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
- Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
- Miami Dolphins
Away Games:
- Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders
- Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings
That away slate looks absolutely brutal. Trips to Arrowhead and Lincoln Financial Field are never easy.
How to Spend Your Football Sunday
Just because the Colts aren't playing doesn't mean you should ignore the games. If you're a "root against the rival" type of fan, you’ll probably be leaning toward the Patriots this afternoon to see Houston get knocked out.
If you're looking for something more local, you might see some news about the "Barrie Colts" popping up in searches. Just a heads up—that's an Ontario Hockey League team. They actually played last night and beat Oshawa 4-2. It’s a common mix-up for fans checking scores on Google, but definitely not the NFL action you’re looking for.
Actionable Next Steps for Colts Fans:
- Check the Draft Order: With an 8-9 record, the Colts will likely be picking in the middle of the first round. It's time to start looking at mock drafts for cornerback and edge rusher help.
- Watch the Texans-Patriots Game: Keep an eye on Houston. They are the benchmark for the AFC South right now, and seeing how they handle the Patriots' defense will give you an idea of what the Colts need to overcome next year.
- Review the Cap Space: The front office has some big decisions to make regarding free agents. Following sites like OverTheCap or Spotrac will show you how much room they have to fix that defense.
The wait for the 2026 season opener in September feels long, but the work to get back to playing in January starts now.