The Indianapolis Colts are deemed to have one of the easiest, most manageable schedules in the NFL for the 2023 season. At least, that is how things are projected on paper heading into the summer.

Pro Football Focus ranks the team's schedule as the third easiest in the league. Only NFC South foes New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are ranked ahead. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that the Colts could make some noise.

Furthermore, PFF is projecting the Colts to possibly contended in the AFC South. Indianapolis' predicted win total is set at 7.5 games in 2023. That's more than both the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans in the division.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up to defend their AFC South title. Jacksonville won the division last season with a 9-8 record. PFF puts their win total at 9.7. 

It is safe to assume that the Jaguars are the favorites to win the division next season. However, the strength — or lack thereof — of the Colts' schedule could make things interesting. Especially if Anthony Richardson is quickly better than many may expect.

"The AFC South is not a particularly strong division, and the Colts could take advantage of it," PFF data analyst Amelia Probst wrote. "Their first two games come against division rivals, and the stretch of games after their Week 11 bye is not difficult outside of the road game against the Bengals."

First-year head coach Shane Steichen had the Philadelphia Eagles' offense rolling while coordinating the unit the last two seasons. Now with Richardson at quarterback and Jonathan Taylor running the ball, there is a chance that Indy enjoys some success right out of the gate.

If the Colts can get out to a fast start in the early stages, all bets are off. Indianapolis has the schedule necessary to roll off some key wins and potentially contend for the AFC South crown.