Colts Drop in ESPN Power Rankings After Embarrassing Lions Loss

The Indianapolis Colts are now seen as a bottom-third team in the NFL.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) leaves the field Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, after losing 24-6 to the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts (5-7) were no match for the red-hot Detroit Lions (10-1), as the Colts fell to the NFC's top team 24-6.

Self-inflicted wounds were the theme of the day for Indy. The offensive line committed five penalties, wiping away big plays while allowing a 46% pressure rate on the day. The tight ends also did not have a banner day, dropping passes and not executing when given the opportunity.

Ultimately, the supporting cast around Anthony Richardson made too many mistakes for the team to overcome, resulting in the worst loss of the season for Indy.

Because of the brutal loss, the Colts saw a drop in the Week 13 ESPN NFL power rankings. The Colts fell from 19th to 21st in the rankings, dropping below the Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) at 20th. Indy is the only 5-7 team in the league, but the Bengals are ranked higher despite having a worse record.

By falling to 21st, ESPN believes the Colts are a bottom-third team in the NFL this season. It is hard to argue with that fact, as the Colts have largely lost to better teams in the league while taking care of business against the bad teams. The Colts only have one win against a team with a winning record this season, a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3).

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) runs with the ball Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, during a game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Included with the power rankings, the NFL Nation reporters were asked to look at the ESPN Analytics' Football Power Index (FPI) rankings for offense, defense, and special teams, and assess if the rankings portray an accurate picture of the team. Here are the current FPI rankings for the Colts:

Offense: 22nd
Defense: 20th
Special Teams: 13th

Holder believes these rankings to be fairly accurate for what the Colts have produced this season.

"These rankings seem about right when looking at the Colts' inconsistent results and current 1-4 stretch," Holder wrote. "They have shown flashes of promise in all areas, but there are fundamental issues undermining every phase of their team. The offensive line is suddenly an issue, which is severely limiting what was a solid running game. Defensively, the Colts are 17th in scoring defense (22.8 points), but that's offset by giving up 375.8 yards per game (28th). Special teams would be better if not for kicker Matt Gay's occasional misses (his 87.5% field goal percentage ranks 21st)."

The Colts will look to climb both the power rankings and FPI rankings this Sunday when they take on the New England Patriots (3-9). A win before their bye week would go a long way toward getting the Colts back on track.

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