So, you’re looking to find out what time do the colts play tomorrow, and I’ve got some news that’s probably going to ruin your Sunday plans. Honestly, if you were hoping to see Anthony Richardson or whatever veteran QB they’ve got under center this week (more on that chaos later) take the field, you’re out of luck.
The Indianapolis Colts are officially done for the year.
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After that Week 18 collapse against the Houston Texans on January 4, where the Colts fell 38-30, their season hit a brick wall. They finished 8-9. No playoffs. No wild card miracle. Basically, they became the first team in decades to start 8-2 and somehow miss the postseason entirely. It's a stat that local fans are already trying to scrub from their memories.
What Time Do the Colts Play Tomorrow? (The Cold Hard Truth)
Since the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is happening tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Colts are strictly in "couch mode." There is no kickoff time. No TV channel to tune into. The lights at Lucas Oil Stadium are off, and the roster is likely scattered across various vacation spots or already beginning their offseason surgeries.
If you’re still craving football, you’ve got two games tomorrow, but neither involves the Horseshoe:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Seeing the Texans in that 3:00 p.m. slot probably feels like salt in the wound for Indy fans. Houston basically took the Colts' spot by winning the AFC South while Indy went on that brutal seven-game losing streak to close out the 2025 season. It’s a tough pill to swallow.
What happened to the 2025-2026 season?
It’s actually wild when you look back at it. On November 9, the Colts beat the Falcons in overtime to move to 8-2. They looked like Super Bowl contenders. Then, the wheels didn't just come off; the whole car exploded.
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Injuries played a massive part. Daniel Jones, who they brought in after things went south with the original plan, suffered a major setback. Then there was the Philip Rivers "off-the-couch" comeback. Yes, that actually happened. Rivers came back for a cameo, delayed his Hall of Fame eligibility by another five years, and then re-retired. It was a fever dream of a season that ultimately led to zero playoff games.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since you can't watch them play tomorrow, you’re probably wondering when you can see them. The 2026 schedule won't have specific times or dates until the NFL does its big "Schedule Release" show in May. However, we already know who they are playing because the NFL’s scheduling formula is basically math-based.
Because the Colts finished third in the AFC South, they have a "third-place schedule."
Home Games at Lucas Oil Stadium:
- Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans (The usual divisional rivals).
- Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants.
- Miami Dolphins (The AFC East crossover game).
Away Games:
- Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee.
- Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders.
- Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.
That road trip to Kansas City is already circled on most people's calendars as a "look away" game. Playing Patrick Mahomes in Arrowhead is never the remedy a team needs after a losing season.
The Quarterback Carousel
One of the biggest reasons people keep asking what time do the colts play tomorrow is because the roster has been a revolving door. There is a legitimate chance the Colts could start their ninth different Week 1 quarterback in ten seasons.
Think about that. Since Andrew Luck retired, it has been a game of musical chairs.
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- Jacoby Brissett
- Philip Rivers
- Carson Wentz
- Matt Ryan
- Anthony Richardson
- Gardner Minshew (for a bit)
- Daniel Jones
- Philip Rivers (again? sort of?)
GM Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen are under immense pressure this offseason. They kept their jobs—for now—but the fan base is restless.
Actionable Steps for Colts Fans Tomorrow
Since there is no game to watch, here is what you should actually do to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
Check the Mock Drafts: The Colts are picking early. With two first-round picks currently tangled up in the Sauce Gardner trade (which has had mixed results due to his calf injury), the front office has to get creative. Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl rosters.
Monitor the Coaching Staff: Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo has been interviewing for head coaching jobs with the Giants and Titans. If he leaves, the Colts' defense—which was a bright spot until the late-season collapse—might look completely different next year.
Update Your Calendar: The NFL Draft starts April 23, 2026. That is the next "Big Game" for this franchise.
So, while you won't be seeing any Blue and White on the field tomorrow, the offseason "roster construction" game is already in full swing. Grab a drink, watch the Texans and Patriots, and start scouting who you want Indy to draft this spring.