This season, the Indianapolis Colts could face four rookie quarterbacks who were drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The NFL regular season is fast approaching, and it remains uncertain which quarterbacks the Indianapolis Colts will face this year.
Due to injuries or performance issues, several rookie quarterbacks might line up against the Colts’ defense. Last season, seven rookie QBs took the field, including Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, Aidan O’Connell, Tyson Bagent, and Tommy DeVito.
The Colts could potentially face a rookie first-round quarterback four times this season. If this happens, it would be the first time since 1983 when the team, then based in Baltimore, faced both Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins) and John Elway (Denver Broncos) twice. Which first-round quarterbacks might the Colts encounter in 2024?
The Indianapolis Colts Could Face Four First-Round Rookie Quarterbacks This Season
Caleb Williams
After opening the regular season with games against the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers, the Colts will face the Chicago Bears in Week 3. Assuming no injuries, it should be an exciting matchup between two young quarterbacks: Indy’s Anthony Richardson and the Bears’ Caleb Williams.
Williams, the first overall pick in this year’s draft, is expected to finally become the franchise quarterback that Chicago has been searching for seemingly forever.
J.J. McCarthy
Indianapolis will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9. Sam Darnold is expected to begin the season as the starting quarterback. However, by Week 9, the Colts might be up against rookie J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick, and when a quarterback is drafted that high, it’s usually with the intention of making him the starter sooner rather than later. McCarthy, who led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship last season, has tremendous potential. He’s too talented to stay on the bench for long, which is why he’s likely to take over for Darnold, who is seen as a temporary option, by Week 9.
Drake Maye
The Colts face off against the New England Patriots in Week 13. In the past, these teams had a fierce rivalry, largely due to the matchups between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. While that rivalry has cooled down, the Week 13 game could still be worth watching.
Former Colt Jacoby Brissett is likely to start the season as the team’s quarterback. However, by Week 13, Drake Maye, who was selected third overall in the draft, might be leading the team. With such a high draft pick, Maye isn’t expected to stay a backup for long. If Brissett struggles or gets injured, Maye could very well be the starter later in the season.
Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos are set to face off in Week 15. Right now, Denver has an intriguing quarterback competition involving Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson, and Bo Nix. It’s uncertain who will be starting by the time Week 15 rolls around. Stidham is a journeyman, while Wilson, the second overall pick in 2021, has had a disappointing career so far. Nix, who was drafted 12th overall this year, could be a rising star.
The Broncos had hoped they found their franchise quarterback when they traded for Russell Wilson two years ago, but things didn’t pan out. There’s a good chance the talented Nix could be the starter when the Colts face Denver.
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