The AFC has been dominated by top-tier quarterbacks for the past few years, with the Kansas City Chiefs leading the way. Alongside them, the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens have also proven to be strong contenders in the conference. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, these three teams are expected to maintain their strong presence, but analyst Dan Orlovsky believes that one AFC team, in particular, is poised for a big year.
Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback turned analyst, has his eye on the AFC and has identified a team that he believes will make a significant impact in the upcoming season. While the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens are expected to remain at the top, Orlovsky believes that the Indianapolis Colts are a team to watch out for.
The Colts have been a consistent team in recent years, with a well-rounded roster and strong coaching. However, they have yet to break through to the top tier of the AFC, often falling short in the playoffs. But Orlovsky believes that this will change in the 2025 season.
Led by quarterback Carson Wentz, who was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Colts have the potential to make a significant leap forward. While Wentz had a rough season in 2020, he has shown in the past that he can be a top-tier quarterback, and Orlovsky believes that with the right pieces around him, he can return to that level of play.
One of the key pieces that the Colts have added to their roster is wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. Hilton, a five-time Pro Bowler, is a dangerous weapon on offense and will provide Wentz with a reliable target. The Colts also have a strong offensive line, led by All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, to protect Wentz and give him time to make plays down the field.
Defensively, the Colts have a solid foundation with players like All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. With the addition of rookie pass rusher Kwity Paye, the Colts’ defense is expected to be even stronger in the upcoming season.
Orlovsky also believes that the Colts’ head coach, Frank Reich, will play a crucial role in their success. Reich, who was Wentz’s offensive coordinator during his time with the Eagles, has a strong relationship with the quarterback and understands how to get the best out of him. With Reich’s leadership and play-calling, the Colts’ offense is expected to take a big step forward in the 2025 season.
While the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens will certainly be tough opponents for the Colts, Orlovsky believes that they have what it takes to compete with these top teams. He sees the Colts as a well-rounded, complete team, with a strong defense and an offense that has the potential to be explosive. He also notes that the Colts have a favorable schedule, with several winnable games early in the season, which could give them the momentum they need to make a playoff push.
In conclusion, while the AFC has been top-heavy for the past few years, with the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens leading the way, Orlovsky believes that the Colts will be the team to disrupt this trend in the 2025 season. With a strong roster, a dynamic quarterback, and a talented head coach, the Colts have all the pieces in place to make a big impact and potentially make a deep playoff run. It’s time for the Colts to show the league that they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
