5 bold predictions for Indianapolis Colts in 2020

3. Justin Houston will get 15 sacks

The Colts were much too dependent on Justin Houston as their only legitimate pass rush threat last season. He led the team with 11 sacks while no one else on the roster got more than five. That’s precisely why the team paid a steep price to add Buckner this offseason.

Buckner is going to get his share of sacks from the defensive tackle spot, but his presence on the field will be hugely beneficial to Houston as well. Teams will struggle to double-team both players at the same time. Every time Houston is faced with a single blocker, he becomes a strong favorite to reach the opposing quarterback.

The reality that the Colts are likely going to grab a lot of early leads will also work in Houston’s favor. Opposing teams know they’ll need to throw the ball early and often to keep up with Indianapolis’ offense. That will give Houston more opportunities to rush the passer than a lot of other edge rushers around the NFL.

Add it all up and Houston looks like a player who is primed to have one more career year before age-related regression starts to take hold. Look for him to flirt with leading the NFL in sacks for a while before settling in with a final total of 15.