While the Colts currently sit on top of the entire AFC and are tied for the best record in the NFL, there are still critics that think they are overrated.

It does need to be pointed out that the Colts have had a relatively easy schedule leading up to this point. Out of their five wins, the only team that had a winning record was the Denver Broncos. Outside of the Broncos, the other four teams have a combined six wins through six weeks.

This is a very valid criticism and ultimately. However, it would be a moot point if the Colts can go into Los Angeles and beat the Chargers on Sunday. Leading up to this game, though, the noise remains but there is good rebuttal for why the Colts are not overrated and are indeed for real in the AFC.

3 Reasons Why the Colts Are Serious Contenders in the AFC

Daniel Jones is Having an MVP-like Start

Daniel Jones has certainly found a future home in Indianapolis. In his seventh season in the league, he is finally starting to play like a sixth overall pick. Through six weeks, Jones is completing 71.7% of his passes for 1,502 yards and eight touchdowns. He also has the highest pass success rate and has the lowest sack percentage.

One of the more amazing things to witness watching Jones is the fact that he is playing with the utmost efficiency. According to PlayerProfiler, Jones is the best in the league when throwing to his first read and is best in the league in first down rate. On top of this, whether he is operating in a clean or messy pocket, his completion percentage is still quite high. Against pressure, Jones is completing 63% of his passes and without pressure, he is completing 74.6%. Needless to say, the Colts are 5-1 because of the efficiency of Daniel Jones.

The Offensive Weapons Are a Collective Monster

Jonathan Taylor is having another amazing season by leading the league in rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per game. He also has 20 receptions for 147 yards and has been a key element for Jones when the check-down is needed.

Tyler Warren, the Colts rookie tight end, has been nothing short of sensational to start his NFL career. He has quickly become a nice security blanket for Jones as he has been reliable and consistent. Warren leads the league in receiving yards and yards after the catch. He is also third in targets and receptions and is fourth in red zone targets.

One cannot forget about Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs. All three of these receivers have been key elements to the offense’s success as well. Overall, the Colts offense is playing at a historic level. They lead the league in points per game, and are second in yards per play and third down conversions.

The Defense Is Solid but Injured

The defense has certainly not gotten off to as great of a start as the offense. However, the defense as a scheme and unit has shown improvement with its new defensive coordinator in Lou Anarumo. The unit has suffered some key injuries in the last few weeks, but it is the defense that has been the weak link so far.

The Colts top two cornerbacks in Kenny Moore II and Charvarius Ward will hopefully return to the field soon. Defensive end, Laiatu Latu has looked good in his second year, but he still has not shown any burst in terms of sacks and tackles for loss. The Colts will need him to show up big moving forward. Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner are still wreaking havoc in the middle of the line while Zaire Franklin is still leading the linebacking core.

Overall, the Colts have the pieces on defense to compete with the best. The main issue will be adapting to an unconventional Anarumo defensive scheme with so many pieces coming in and out.