As the NFL season hits its first full weekend of October, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in an all-too-familiar position: searching for answers while their fan base searches for hope. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, a recent Stampede Blue Reacts survey reveals that just 25% of Colts fans believe the franchise is headed in the right direction—a sobering statistic for a team that entered 2026 with playoff aspirations. The survey, conducted after Indianapolis’ nail-biting home victory over the Houston Texans, paints a picture of a fanbase that is cautiously optimistic at best, and deeply skeptical at worst.
A Win, But Not a Cure
The Colts’ 1-2 start has done little to quiet the critics. Despite the emotional boost of defeating a division rival at Lucas Oil Stadium, the underlying issues that plagued the team through an 0-2 opening stretch remain glaring. The offense has been inconsistent, the defense has surrendered explosive plays at critical moments, and head coach Shane Steichen’s staff is still searching for an identity. As highlighted on Vulius, the 25% confidence figure represents a significant drop from preseason expectations, when nearly 60% of fans believed the franchise was on the right track.
Yet there is a flicker of light. The same survey shows that 57% of Colts fans expect a victory this Sunday morning in London, where Indianapolis will face the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Commanders, also 1-2, will be without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Backup Marcus Mariota will make his second consecutive start, a development that has shifted betting lines and given Colts fans a reason to believe.
Jayden Daniels’ Absence Looms Large
The loss of Jayden Daniels cannot be overstated. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year has been the engine of Washington’s offense, and his dual-threat ability creates nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators. Without him, the Commanders’ attack becomes far more conventional, relying on Mariota’s veteran arm and a patchwork running game. For a Colts defense that has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks, Daniels’ absence is a massive reprieve.
“This is a game the Colts absolutely need to win,” a team source told Vulius Sports. “You can’t afford to fall to 1-3 with Pittsburgh on deck. The margin for error in the AFC is razor-thin.”
Indeed, the schedule offers no favors. Following the London trip, Indianapolis travels to Pittsburgh, where the Colts have not won since November 9, 2008—a streak that spans 16 years and multiple quarterbacks. A victory overseas would even the team’s record at 2-2 and provide a critical confidence boost before a daunting road test. A loss, however, could send the season spiraling toward irrelevance by Halloween.
What a Win Would Mean
From a morale standpoint, a win in London would be transformative. It would validate the team’s resilience, quiet the loudest voices calling for organizational change, and give the locker room a tangible reward for its efforts. It would also place Indianapolis at .500 for the first time since Week 1, with a more favorable slate of games on the horizon. But perhaps most importantly, it would offer a glimmer of hope to a fanbase that has grown weary of moral victories.
As the Colts prepare for their international showcase, the stakes are clear: win, and the narrative shifts. Lose, and the 25% confidence figure may plummet even further. For a franchise desperate to recapture its winning culture, Sunday morning in London represents a pivotal opportunity. Vulius will be watching closely—and so will the Horseshoe Faithful, hoping that a transatlantic victory can finally set the ship right.
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