5 NFL teams that will surprise in 2018

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 01: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) signals a receiver during the NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts on January 1, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 13: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) on the sidelines during the NFL preseason game between the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts on August 13, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.(Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Indianapolis Colts

It’s not hard to project how the Colts could improve from last year’s 4-12 record. All Indianapolis needs is a healthy Andrew Luck to rocket up the standings.

Early indications about Luck’s recovery from shoulder surgery have been encouraging. It’s worth noting he still hasn’t thrown a ball yet, but his presence around the team has the Colts optimistic. Team officials insist he will be ready to go for Week One.

If you take them at their word, it means the Colts offense could be pretty good. T.Y. Hilton and Eric Ebron should be nice targets for Luck. Adding Quenton Nelson with the No. 6 overall pick should help revive the team’s moribund ground game. The team should hope for Nyheim Hines to beat out Marlon Mack for the starting job before the season ends. He has a higher ceiling as a ball carrier.

Luck wasn’t the only big name Colts player to miss serious time last year. The defense really took a hit when Malik Hooker was injured in October. If he can come back healthy this season, he could help this group become competitive. They aren’t going to shut anyone down, but they can improve on last year’s ugly results.

Next: Colts give fans hope about Andrew Luck

The formula for Indianapolis to exceed expectations is very clear. They need Luck to come back and play at a high level. If that happens, he can elevate the Colts offense to a top-10 group in the NFL. That could be enough to make Indianapolis a dangerous out in the playoffs.