The Indianapolis Colts will have to endure a long stretch of games without much of a rest during the 2026 NFL season. Team's who play an international game have the option of taking their bye the following week after all that travel and being out of their usual routine.

The Colts hit the road again in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The away slate is generally tough, with three separate road back-to-backs throughout the season, compared to just one home back-to-back.

Indianapolis may be better off with its tough start to the 2026 season.

In a 2025 season that featured seven Chiefs primetime games, one year after playing in a third straight Super Bowl, Kansas City finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs. After that disappointing season and with quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from a knee injury,

Compared to their opponents, the Colts will be at a rest disadvantage in several games during the 2026 NFL season.