Indianapolis Colts: 5 reasons they’re Super Bowl contenders

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Dewey McDonald (31) celebrates after tackling Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker (83) on a punt return during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Dewey McDonald (31) celebrates after tackling Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker (83) on a punt return during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) reacts against the New England Patriots in the second quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) reacts against the New England Patriots in the second quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Luck

I think that the impact of Andrew Luck at times does get a bit overstated, as he isn’t Superman. Even Tom Brady and Peyton Manning need adequate help around them to succeed and win championships.

That said, when you have a player who play at the highest level—especially at quarterback—you’ve got an advantage. Luck represents one heck of an advantage.

As we saw back when the Colts came back and beat the Chiefs in 2013, when you have Luck, you’re never truly out of the game. Luck can fire up an offense and fire them up even in the worst of circumstances. That doesn’t mean his teams can’t lose—but it does mean you can never count the Colts out.

Luck is also a player who can elevate the level of guys around him when it comes to receivers. Of course, that doesn’t mean he can turn me into a Hall of Famer (although for the right amount of money I’m willing to try) but he does get more out of many receivers than all but the best quarterbacks can.

Sure, T.Y. Hilton might have been a stud with anyone—though as he was drafted in the third so I’m pretty confident few saw his production coming—but he got career highs from Donnie Avery and kept Reggie Wayne relevant longer than anyone expected.

And that was with no run game to speak of and a poor offensive line.

As long as Luck is playing for the Indianapolis Colts, the team should be considered contenders for a Super Bowl. This year is just like the last few as far as Andrew Luck is concerned—he’s a huge advantage for any team and will keep the Colts in every game.

Next: Relatively weak AFC