The Colts enter their Week 16 matchup with the Giants ranked 10th in the NFL in total defense (341.5 YPG).

Analysis: The Colts completely stifled the Cowboys in Week 15, limiting them to 292 total yards and delivering their first shutout of the season. The Giants themselves were shut out 17-0 by the Titans last week after averaging 35 points in the previous two games. Indianapolis is allowing an average of 12.2 points over the last five games and hasn't allowed more than 315 yards of offense in that stretch. Odell Beckham (quadriceps) may not be available, which would be a significant blow to New York's…read more

The Colts held the Texans to just 315 total yards of offense in last Sunday's 24-21 win.

Analysis: Surprisingly, Indianapolis' defense ranks near the top of the league spanning the last month. Over their last four contests, the Colts are yielding just north of 15.0 PPG. In each of those four games, Indy has kept their opponents to 315 yards or below. This week's tilt with Dallas could present some challenges for the Colts defensive front. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott currently leads the NFL with 1,262 rushing yards and went for 113 yards during last week's win over the Eagles. If…read more

The Colts held the Jags to just 211 total yards of offense during last Sunday's 6-0 loss.

Analysis: Despite the loss, Indianapolis dished out quite possibly its best defensive performance of the season. While the defense isn't at a revered level just yet, this group isn't your father's Colts' defense either. Following Sunday's outcome, the Colts have now kept opponents under 10 points in three games this season. The pieces to build around are in place. All that's left is consistency. Sunday's test against Houston could bring about some challenges for the young group. The last time these two…read more

The Colts are yielding 17.0 PPG over their last two contests.

Analysis: Without sugarcoating it, Indianapolis' five-game win streak has been courtesy of Andrew Luck's stellar play under center. Sure, rookie linebacker Darius Leonard has been a bright spot for this defense, but the Colts' defense isn't exactly a unit that others fear come kickoff. The Colts are conceding 24.8 PPG, which isn't all too steep, but the bigger concern remains in the inevitable letdown. Indianapolis has proven to be vulnerable to defensive breakdowns every so often this season. The Jets…read more

The Colts are tied for fifth in the NFL with 19 takeaways heading into Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Indianapolis has had its defensive troubles this season but is coming off one of their better efforts of the year as they held the Titans to 10 points and 263 yards while recording five sacks and a pair of turnovers last week. Meanwhile the Dolphins are set to get back starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill back from the shoulder injury that cost him the last five games. Tannehill's return makes this matchup a bit more of an unknown, but he did have eight giveaways through five games before…read more

The Colts boast the 26th-ranked scoring defense entering their Week 11 tilt with the Titans.

Analysis: The Colts are riding a three-game win streak but that's no thanks to their defense. Indianapolis has conceded at least 26 points in five of its last six contests and is yielding 376.2 YPG (23rd in NFL). While second-round draft pick Darius Leonard has proven to be worth every penny up to this point, the Colts have too many holes elsewhere. Unpredictable and unreliable, Indianapolis is probably worth avoiding if possible, despite a favorable matchup against a low-powered Tennessee offense.

Colts safety Malik Hooker is dealing with a hip injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Analysis: The Colts have been somewhat suspect from a defensive standpoint up to now as the unit has given up at least 28 points in four of its last five contests. Indianapolis has looked lost at times, but the emergence of Darius Leonard as a premier middle linebacker in the AFC has helped reshape the trajectory of the Colts' defense. In most leagues, the Colts present an available option and probably garner little attention on a week-to-week basis. From a surface evaluation, the Colts are no match for…read more

Colts safety Malik Hooker is dealing with a hip injury as Sunday's tilt with the Raiders inches closer.

Analysis: Hooker's status remains up in the air at the moment but it seems as though the Colts feel comfortable with the depth behind him in the event he can't suit up. Even with Hooker, Indianapolis hasn't exactly been a shutdown defense. Through eight weeks, the Colts boast the league's 25th-ranked scoring defense (26.4 PPG) and the 21st-ranked total defense (374. YPG). But, looking past those numbers maybe the Colts warrant some consideration in Week 8. Oakland QB Derek Carr is coming off his lowest…read more

The Colts rank 30th in the NFL with 30 points allowed per game heading into their Week 7 matchup with the Bills.

Analysis: Indianapolis has allowed at least 37 points in each of the last three games and normally wouldn't garner significant consideration for fantasy purposes following said performances, but the matchup against the Bills -- who rank last with 12.7 points per game and 31st in the NFL with 222.5 yards per game -- undoubtedly gives the Colts' D/ST some appeal. The Colts rank in the top 10 in takeaways (10) and sacks (19), both areas of concern for the Bills, who are averaging a mere 13.7 first downs in…read more

The Colts yielded 38 points in their Week 5 loss to the Patriots. They'll draw a matchup with the Jets in Week 6.

Analysis: Rookie Darius Leonard (ankle) missed last week's game against the Patriots, but still ranks first in the NFL with 54 tackles. His potential return in Week 6 would provide a boon to a defense that ranks 27th in the NFL in scoring (27.6 points per game) and 23rd in yards allowed (389.4 per game). While the Jets aren't an especially fearsome offense, the stats suggest Indianapolis' defense is not a strong option regardless of opponent. If Leonard and other key starters on a banged-up defense…read more

Colts linebacker Darius Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's contest against the Patriots.

Analysis: Leonard has been a bright spot for the Indy defense through four games, making his status that much more significant come Thursday. Not only is Leonard the team's leading tackler (54 combined stops), but the rookie also leads the team with four sacks. Without Leonard, the Colts could be in for a rude awakening. Tom Brady has seemingly shaken off the slow start following a strong outing against Miami in Week 4. Add Josh Gordon to New England's arsenal and things become even more challenging for…read more

Colts linebacker Darius Leonard leads the team with 41 combined tackles through the team's first three contests.

Analysis: Leonard has been a bright spot on for the Indianapolis defense. The team's second-round pick has emerged as arguably the team's best defensive asset moving forward. For a team that has built a settlement towards the bottom of most defensive statistical categories over the last several seasons, it's impressive to see the Colts hovering around the middle-of-the-pack from a defensive standpoint. The Texans have offensive weapons but haven't yet clicked offensively. If the Deshaun Watson of last…read more

Colts defensive tackle Denico Autry (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Analysis: The Colts surprisingly suffocated Alex Smith and the Redskins last week in a game which many thought would roll the other way. Given the state of the Indianapolis defense over the last several years, it was bizarre so see the Colts win a game thanks to the defensive side of the ball. Perhaps times are changing, but it's also wise to avoid rash judgments, especially when it comes to basing fantasy outlooks off one-week performances. Sunday's game in Philadelphia will mark the return of Carson…read more

Colts safety Clayton Geathers (knee) is deemed questionable for Sunday's tilt with the Redskins.

Analysis: Indianapolis is likely an available option in most leagues. There's a reason for that. The Colts haven't been able to shed the demons of their defensive struggles for decades and 2018 appears to be more of the same. In Week 1, Indianapolis let up 101 yards on the ground, a number that could rise with Washington's effective platoon system eagerly waiting Sunday's contest. The Colts seem on course to assume the role of cellar dweller in defensive statistical categories this season.

Defensive end Johnthan Hankins won't play in Sunday's season finale against the Texans due to an ankle injury.

Analysis: The Colts are coming off a 23-16 loss to the Ravens in which they held them to 323 yards of offense, but registered only one sack and did not force a turnover. The Indianapolis defense ranks bottom three in the NFL in scoring (26.1), total yardage (377.6) allowed per game and sacks (23), but have an appealing Week 17 matchup against the quarterback carousel that is the Houston offense. The Colts defense doesn't warrant consideration by themselves, but a Texans offense without Deandre Hopkins…read more

Defensive end Johnathan Hankins may be unavailable for Saturday's game against the Ravens due to a shoulder injury.

Analysis: Hankins leads Colts' defensive lineman in snaps this season and did not practice Wednesday, and would present a major loss for the team's defense if unable to play. As it stands, the Indianapolis defense ranks 31st in points allowed per game (26.3) and 30th in total yardage allowed (381.5) this season, but is middle of the pack in takeaways (19). The Ravens take care of the ball (16 giveaways) fairly well, although they are near the bottom of the league in total yardage stats. Indianapolis'…read more

Cornerbacks Rashaan Melvin (hand) and Nate Hairston (concussion) have both been ruled out of Thursday night's game against the Broncos.

Analysis: Melvin and Hairston represent the Colts two starting cornerbacks, and with Pierre Desir (shoulder) and Malik Hooker (knee) already on injured reserve, to say the team's secondary is depleted is an understatement of massive proportions. The Broncos offense has been one of the worst in the NFL in 2017, with an identity as a run-first offense that averages only 105.5 rushing yards per game. Denver WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders should be due for a big game given the injury issues facing…read more

Colts cornerback Rashaan Melvin is nursing a hand injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills

Analysis: The Indianapolis secondary is about as beat up as possible and can ill-afford Melvin to miss any more time. Through 13 weeks, the Colts rank dead last in scoring defense (27.5 PPG) and 29th in total defense (380.0 YPG). There isn't much analysis or film study that will convince you the Colts are worth consideration, even if Buffalo doesn't possess a high-powered offense. Given their track record and health misfortunes, Indianapolis should not be on anyone's radar this week.

The Colts rank dead last in the NFL in scoring defense (27.3 PPG).

Analysis: The league's worst scoring defense will take on arguably the league's most surprising team when the Colts travel to Jacksonville on Sunday. While Blake Bortles hasn't quite been the guy the Jags had hoped for under center and Allen Robinson (torn ACL) remains out for the year, Jacksonville still has a leg up on the competition with Leonard Fournette and Marqise Lee leading the way. Considering the state of the Indianapolis defense, it would be wise to look the other way this week.

Defensive end Margus Hunt is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans due to an illness.

Analysis: The Colts have their second matchup of the season against the Titans, the first of which ended in a 36-22 victory for Tennessee. Indianapolis features the worst defense in the league, allowing 28 points per game, and also has only 19 sacks. The Titans offense has been quite inconsistent in 2017 with QB Marcus Mariota battling injuries, but still has the explosive potential they started with this season. The Colts defense was able to hold the Steelers to 316 yards and 20 points in Week 10, but…read more