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2025 NFL Midseason Report: Questions and Stats for Each Team
(NFL Nation Reporters and Eric Moody)
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...-stats-fantasy
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FPI Rank: l 3
Chances to Make the Playoffs: l 93.6%
Chances to Win the Division: l 79.4%
First-Half Storyline: l The Colts have the No. 1 offense in the NFL, something that even the most optimistic fan was unlikely to have predicted. They have been on a historic offensive tear, averaging 3.46 points per drive through Week 8, the second most by any team through its first eight weeks since 1978, according to ESPN Research. Only the 2007 New England Patriots, who went 16-0 in the regular season, surpassed that mark. The offensive strategy of coach Shane Steichen has been a big part of the fast start as he has finally achieved some quarterback stability with veteran Daniel Jones at the controls.
QB Stat to Know: l Daniel Jones has been brilliant this season after 6 up-and-down years with the New York Giants. Entering Week 9, he had posted four straight games with at least 200 yards and two passing touchdowns, the longest such stretch of his career. Of particular note is Jones' ability to thrive when under pressure. While the Colts boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Jones has still been unflappable at those times when he is pressured. His 55.7% completion rate when under pressure is the second best in the NFL through eight weeks.
Second-Half Storyline: l Can Sauce Gardner help transform the defense? The Colts stunned the league on Tuesday by shipping two first-round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets for the two-time All-Pro cornerback. His arrival combined with the expected return of starting cornerback Charvarius Ward in the coming weeks could give the Colts one of the NFL's elite defensive backfields. With slot cornerback Kenny Moore II roaming the middle of the field and with offseason $60 million signing Cam Bynum at free safety, the Colts have invested a boatload of cash into the unit. Will it pay off ???
l (Stephen Holder)
Fantasy Nugget: l Even though RB Jonathan Taylor is coming off a game in which he scored a season-low 7.7 fantasy points against the Steelers -- after posting 23 or more in each of the four previous games -- it's important for managers to note that the Colts' upcoming schedule gets much tougher. Still, Indianapolis' offensive line ranks third in run block win rate, and Taylor is talented enough to remain productive in difficult matchups.
l (Eric Moody)
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