The Indianapolis Colts had their 2023 NFL schedule revealed on Thursday night. Naturally, the focus turns to who the Colts will play in week one to open the season and the biggest matchups on the schedule.

Indianapolis will open the schedule at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, setting the stage for first-year head coach Shane Steichen to potentially send a big message to the league. The Jaguars are looking to repeat as division champs.

That divisional matchup could set the tone for the Colts, one way or the other. Especially since Indianapolis plays another AFC South foe the following week against the Houston Texans. 

A quick start to the season could go a long way in the Indianapolis Colts making a lot of noise in the division. Beating the Jaguars and Texans in consecutive weeks would give Indianapolis a bit of a leg up early in the schedule.

Then, the Colts take on the Tennessee Titans in week five. Meaning that three of the team's first five games of the 2023 NFL season will come against AFC South rivals. Shane Steichen won't exactly get an easy opening month to get his feet wet.

Which makes that fast start so critical. Because if the Colts start off on the wrong foot and drop two or three of those games, it would be difficult to recover in terms of winning the division.

Obviously, it's a long season and there's always the chance that Indianapolis is much better down the stretch than they are in week one. Especially if rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson takes over and finds his stride.

Still, the early-season divisional games are certainly something to track. One way or another, the Indianapolis Colts could learn their chances of winning the divisional crown fairly quickly.