The hype seems to be growing amongst Indianapolis Colts fans, but the expectations have not for the national media. Many seem to be projecting growing pains in the first season of the Shane Steichen era.

Which does make sense for multiple reasons. Steichen is entering his first season on the job, and the Colts were a bit of mess last season. Additionally, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will likely have his struggles during his debut season.

But there are things that point to Indianapolis potentially surprising in the 2023 NFL season. The schedule, albeit with some early tests, sets up mostly well for the Colts to rally off some wins. However, Pro Football Focus does not see things that way.

Indianapolis has the third easiest schedule in all of the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. PFF data analyst Amelia Probst ranks only the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons' schedules ahead of the Colts. 

Yet, PFF writers Dalton Wasserman and Jim Wyman have set the bar low for Indianapolis in 2023. The two do not believe that the Colts. They are taking the under in the Colts' projected win total of 6.5 wins.

Over/Under 6.5 win total: Under

A lot of the Colts’ success in 2023 is going to hinge on the development of Anthony Richardson. While new head coach Shane Steichen has a track record of developing raw quarterback prospects, expect some growing pains in year one.

For reference, the Colts' win total is set at 7.5 in Probst's article of the strength of schedules across the league. There will surely be highs and lows for Indianapolis, but it's possible that Indianapolis surprises.

Especially if the keys are handed over to Richardson and he takes off sooner than some are expecting. Indianapolis should have a strong ground game and a respectable defense to keep them in games, too.

Nevertheless, Pro Football Focus is setting the bar low for the Indianapolis Colts in the first season of the Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson era.