There are varying opinions of how good the Indianapolis Colts will be during the 2023 NFL season. Which makes sense, given that the team will be led by a first-year head coach and rookie quarterback.

Both Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson have high expectations for year-one. But there will surely be growing pains. However, there will be opportunities for the Colts to make noise.

ESPN analyst Dan Graziano is among those that are high on Indianapolis. Graziano picked the Colts as the team that could be the surprise team in the AFC, largely due to his confidence in Richardson.

"I think the Indianapolis Colts could surprise people," Graziano said on ESPN. "I think it's possible that Anthony Richardson outplays his pre-draft expectations and is good sooner than we think."

Selected at No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has the opportunity to be the starting quarterback right out of the gate for the Colts. But there are questions regarding how ready he is due to his overall lack of playing experience.

Still, that does not deter Graziano. Rather, the NFL analyst sees Richardson performing well, and he is expecting a bounce back season from Quenton Nelson and the Colts' offensive line.

"They have that high-paid offensive line that really should've played better than it did last year. In a weak division, I think that they could be a little bit of a surprise," said Graziano on Friday.

The AFC South is a relatively wide open division, even with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming off a playoff win last season. With three divisional games in the first four weeks, the stage is set for the Colts to turn heads rather quickly.

National media outlet highlights the biggest concern for the Colts

How successful the Indianapolis Colts are in the 2023 NFL season will likely come down to Anthony Richardson.

Featured image via Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports