Where Are the Colts in NFL Power Rankings Following Blowout Loss to Steelers Week 5?

See where the Indianapolis Colts fall in the Week 6 NFL power rankings following their 34-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

by Sahil Goswami

Oct 13, 2026

Bears

Dan Powers USAToday Network via IMAGN images

The Pittsburgh Steelers won by 12 points, but the Colts had opportunities to make the game much closer. Indianapolis finished with 332 total yards and controlled possession for 32 minutes. However, the offense converted only one of its three trips inside the Pittsburgh 20-yard line into a touchdown, repeatedly settling for field goals.

The loss also raises questions about the Colts’ consistency. Their offense has shown it can move the ball, but the running game managed only 45 yards from Jonathan Taylor on 15 carries. With Indianapolis now back below .500, national analysts have reason to question whether the team can sustain a playoff push.

The Week 6 rankings reflect those concerns, with several major outlets moving the Colts down after the Pittsburgh loss.

Where the Bears Rank in Week 6 Power Rankings

ESPN: 24(-2)

NFL.com: 24(-2)

FOX Sports: 20(-3)

Yahoo Sports: 23(-1)

USA today: 25(-2)

What Do Experts Say About the Bears?

“The Colts have a litany of issues on defense, but tackling is a fundamental problem that affects many areas. Consider: They rank 28th in yards allowed after contact (482). That showed up repeatedly Sunday, including on a 50-yard touchdown run from Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. It’s not a coincidence the Colts are 31st in the league in yards allowed per play (6.2). Most responsible for this issue are the team’s underwhelming linebackers,” Stephen Holder, ESPN

“The Colts are an underwhelming team right now because they put too much stock in a receiving corps led by Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, and only have Downs available to make a difference. Their offensive line has disappointed, too, and Lou Anarumo’s defensive reclamation project is still in its early stages. There are moments in which you see Indianapolis’ potential, and it battled in Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh … but predictably couldn’t finish drives. The result was not surprising, but each time I watch these Colts, it leaves me wondering what could be. At least Daniel Jones didn’t turn the ball over for a game,” Nick Shook, NFL.com

“The Colts have too much talent on offense to continually come up so empty. QB Daniel Jones didn’t throw a touchdown pass against the Steelers and RB Jonathan Taylor had just 45 yards. Maybe things will start clicking when WR Alec Pierce returns. And at least next week they’ve got a break against the Titans. But head coach Shane Steichen is an offensive guy, and he needs to come up with some answers, because he doesn’t have the defense to prop his team up. If the struggles continue, he’s going to find himself on the hot seat long before he gets to their Week 13 bye,” Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports

“Playing right after an international game is not easy. The Colts took a step back in Sunday’s loss at Pittsburgh and it’s fair to blame playing in London in Week 4. They missed tackles, especially on two long touchdowns by Jaylen Warren that turned the game around, and they repeatedly settled for field goals in the red zone. Indianapolis had improved in some areas over Weeks 3 and 4, but nothing looked good in a 34-22 loss to the Steelers,” Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports

Things Indianapolis Must Fix Before Week 6

Indianapolis’ biggest problem against Pittsburgh was the gap between moving the ball and scoring touchdowns. The Colts had three possessions with first-and-goal opportunities but came away with only one touchdown from those trips. Meanwhile, Warren’s 80-yard reception and 50-yard run exposed the defense’s tackling issues.

Daniel Jones needs to keep the offense on schedule, Jonathan Taylor must find more room to run, and the coaching staff needs to turn red-zone opportunities into touchdowns rather than field goals. Defensively, Indianapolis must take better angles, wrap up at first contact and prevent short gains from becoming explosive plays.

The Colts return home to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, October 18, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Tennessee enters the matchup at 0-5, giving Indianapolis a valuable opportunity to get back above .500.