The Indianapolis Colts will host five non-divisional opponents at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2024, as the AFC South prepares to face the AFC East and NFC North. Last season, four of those five opponents advanced to the playoffs: the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions.
This will be the Bills’ first trip to Indianapolis since 2018. Quarterback Josh Allen tossed 29 touchdowns, added 15 running touchdowns, and scored 90 points in 2023, tying with Eagles QB Jalen Hurts for the most points scored among quarterbacks. The Bills signed wide Curtis Samuel during the initial phase of free agency before making headlines last Wednesday by moving four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round draft pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick.
The Miami Dolphins (11-6, second in the AFC East) will face a challenging assignment in defending the most dynamic offense on grass. Miami topped the league in 2023 with 6,822 total offensive yards (401.3 per game) and was second in scoring with 29.2 points per game. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa tossed for an NFL-high 4,624 passing yards, while unanimous All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill topped the league with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdown receptions. The Colts will face the Dolphins for the 77th time in 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7; third in the AFC North)
The Steelers will visit Indianapolis for the third consecutive season. Pittsburgh saw a complete roster turnover, and organized team workouts will feature more newcomers than returning players. The Steelers signed Russell Wilson to a team-friendly contract and then dealt a 2025 sixth-round pick for Justin Fields. Premier edge rusher T.J. Watt led the league with 19 sacks in 2023 and will be one of the front line’s toughest obstacles.
Detroit Lions (12-5, first in the NFC North).
Detroit has progressed to the NFC Championship Game and returns a top-five scoring attack that ranks third in the league, averaging 394.8 offensive yards per game. Last season, All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was tied for second in the league with 119 grabs and 1,515 receiving yards. It will be one of the most anticipated games as the Lions return to Indianapolis after an eight-year absence.
Chicago Bears (7-10, worst in the NFC North).
Chicago is two weeks away from selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, matching the star-studded rookie with another top-10 NFL prospect. This offseason, the Bears traded for receiver Keenan Allen to supplement D.J. Moore. The Colts welcomed the Bears to training camp last August and will host the old Super Bowl opponent for the first time since 2016. Will Williams make his NFL debut in Indy?
Based on previous publication dates, the 2024 NFL schedule should be announced within the next month, in early May.
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