How to watch Colts vs Falcons in the USA

The Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons preseason game will be available in the U.S. exclusively through Fubo and NFL+.

Can I watch Colts vs Falcons for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Colts vs. Falcons for free with the 5-day free trial. The platform’s current listing for the matchup shows the game live from Lucas Oil Stadium and includes a “Try for free” option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, so Saturday’s result will not affect the regular-season standings. Instead, the game is another important evaluation opportunity as both teams work through roster battles and prepare for the regular season.

The matchup comes after two days of joint practices in Indianapolis, giving both coaching staffs an additional chance to evaluate their players in competitive situations before the game.

The quarterback situation is one of the main storylines. For Indianapolis, Riley Leonard is expected to start and play the first half, with Anthony Richardson taking over afterward as the Colts continue to evaluate their QB2 options.

Meanwhile, Atlanta’s quarterback picture remains worth watching, particularly with Michael Penix Jr. still limited and Tua Tagovailoa working with the first team during the joint practices.

The joint practices also produced some important developments ahead of Saturday’s game. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones completed all 15 of his passes during Wednesday’s session, while cornerback Justin Walley returned an interception of Tagovailoa for a touchdown. Those performances add another layer to a preseason matchup focused more on individual evaluations than the final score.

What time is the Colts vs Falcons match?

The Colts vs. Falcons game kicks off on Saturday, August 22, at 1:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 1:00 PM ET
• Central Time: 12:00 PM CT
• Mountain Time: 11:00 AM MT
• Pacific Time: 10:00 AM PT

How to watch Patriots vs Colts in the USA

The New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts preseason game will be available on The CW in select local markets. For streaming, the game can be watched through NFL+ and Fubo.

Can I watch Patriots vs Colts for free?

Yes, Fubo is offering a 5-day free trial that can be used to watch Patriots vs. Colts without paying upfront. The platform’s game listing specifically advertises the matchup with a free trial, although regional restrictions may apply.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Patriots vs. Colts preseason opener is less about the final score and more about evaluating the players competing for roster spots and roles ahead of the 2026 regular season. The two teams already shared the field during a joint practice on Tuesday.

One of the biggest storylines will be the quarterback situation, although Drake Maye and Daniel Jones are both expected to sit out. Maye is coming off a season in which he finished second in NFL MVP voting, while Jones is returning from the torn Achilles that ended his 2025 campaign.

Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said he does not want to take chances with Jones in the preseason, while Patriots coach Mike Vrabel indicated Maye would also get the night off.

That puts the spotlight on the players behind the starters. For New England, Tommy DeVito and the team’s young offensive players are expected to handle significant work, with wide receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism among those looking to strengthen their cases.

The Patriots also have important roster battles at running back, offensive line, edge rusher and cornerback, making the preseason opener an important evaluation opportunity.

What time is the Patriots vs Colts match?

The Patriots vs Colts game kicks off Thursday, August 13, at 7:30 PM ET at Gillette Stadium. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

“I think it’s pretty obvious – I don’t want to take any chances with Daniel out there in the preseason right now,” Steichen said on Tuesday via de team’s official website.

That said, Anthony Richardson will take the first snap for the Colts. The rookie Riley Leonard, who currently sits third on the depth chart, is also expected to see some playing time.

Jones’ injury history

During the 2025 NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts, Daniel Jones suffered a career-altering set of injuries. After playing through a broken fibula in late November, Jones suffered a non-contact season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in the first quarter of a Week 14 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in December.

The severe injury required surgery, abruptly ending his standout bounce-back season and forcing him into an extensive offseason rehabilitation process. The former New York Giants quarterback will be available for his team starting in Week 1.

The Colts’ preseason

The Indianapolis Colts will open their preseason on the road against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, followed by two consecutive home games against the Atlanta Falcons on August 22 and the Detroit Lions on August 29. After wrapping up their exhibition slate, the Colts will kick off the regular season at home on September 13 with a Week 1 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens.

Josh Downs is dealing with a groin injury while Alec Pierce is still recovering from an ankle surgery after getting a huge contract, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Add that to the fact that they traded Michael Pittman Jr, and the WR room is very thin right now.

Pittman was the best all-rounder wideout but he is now on the Steelers. Downs is a great slot receiver but if he is not practicing, he is not ready to break out. Lastly, Pierce is the most expensive wideout on the roster but he hasn’t recovered from an ankle surgery on March.

Who are the Colts WRs that Daniel Jones is practicing with now?

Right now, Daniel Jones is practicing with Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Laquon Treadwell as his main options. These are serviceable receivers, but not even close to the Pittman-Pierce-Downs core he had.

As for now, the actual primary target is tight end Tyler Warren, who is poised to solidify himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL this season. During his rookie season, Warren had 76 receptions for 817 yards and four touchdowns.

How a healthy Colts offense should look in 2026

Shane Steichen is a great head coach and offensive mind so he will make the most of what he has. Still, he hopes to have everyone healthy in the first few weeks of the 2026 season:

• QB – Daniel Jones
• RB – Jonathan Taylor
• SWR – Josh Downs
• LWR – Alec Pierce
• RWR – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
• TE – Tyler Warren

Taylor has remained one of the focal points of Indianapolis’ offense and now receives a new deal that cements his place among the NFL’s highest-paid players at his position.

The agreement comes shortly after another blockbuster running back extension reshaped the market, making Taylor’s new contract one of the biggest stories of the offseason.

Jonathan Taylor contract details

According to Adam Schefter, Jonathan Taylor’s extension is worth up to $47 million. “Another big running back deal: three-time Pro-Bowl RB Jonathan Taylor and the Colts reached agreement today on a two-year, $44 million extension worth up to $47 million that includes $39 million guaranteed.”

How does Jonathan Taylor’s contract compare to other top running backs?

Jonathan Taylor’s new deal makes him the third-largest running back contract in NFL history. Only Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley have larger overall contracts at the position, while Taylor now ranks among the league’s highest annual earners.

By average annual value, the NFL’s top running back contracts are:

• Bijan Robinson — $22.25 million per year
• Jonathan Taylor — $22 million per year
• Saquon Barkley — $20.6 million per year
• De’Von Achane — $16 million per year

With the running back market continuing to rise, Taylor’s extension reinforces his status as one of the NFL’s elite playmakers while ensuring the Colts retain one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons.

Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Daniel Jones himself stated he is fully recovered and ready to roll. “I’m feeling really good and I’m gonna be full go to start training camp… I’m ready to go,” said a smiley Jones.

This is a wonderful piece of news for the Colts, as they saw in Jones a surging quarterback who is also a tough competitor. Jones was having arguably his best season in the NFL until injuries hampered him.

Jones signed a lucrative deal despite his injury

Quarterback Daniel Jones signed a historic two-year, $88 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts in March 2026. The value of this contract can go up to $100 million with incentives.

Achilles tendon tears can take from six months to a year of recovery depending on how severe the tear was. Jones had a full tear, and he was playing through a left leg fibula fracture too. Hence, the fact is that his recovery has been outstanding and way ahead of schedule.

Daniel Jones is the Colts only hope for the QB position

Not only did the Colts blindly trusted Jones by giving him this contract, but there are not really that many alternatives. Anthony Richardson was given permission to seek a trade and Riley Leonard and Easton Stick are low-end QBs.

Hence, Daniel Jones is the Colts’ hope, at least for the next two years, to have decent quarterback play. Jones had 3,101 yards on 68% completion, 19 TDs and eight interceptions with a 100.2 rate. His numbers were not stellar, but highly effective.

As the Colts kick off their voluntary offseason program, the definitive question in Indy is whether Jones will be medically cleared for the 2026 season opener. In the eyes of the veteran quarterback—who was spotted throwing at OTAs less than six months post-surgery—the answer is a resounding yes.

“Definitely still work to be done and progress to be made,” Jones said, via The Athletic‘s James Boyd. “So, I think it’s just continuing to get stronger, continuing to run faster, cut harder. And progress, kind of, according to the program.”

The Colts need Daniel Jones healthy

When Daniel Jones went down in Week 14 last year, Indianapolis’ postseason aspirations suffered a devastating blow. The quarterback had been putting together a spectacular campaign, leading the team to an 8–5 record in his starts while throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions. The front office made their commitment to him clear this spring, locking him down with a new two-year, $88 million contract.

At the time of Jones’ injury, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson, who the Colts declined to exercise his fifth-year option, was already sidelined with a fractured orbital bone sustained in a freak pregame warm-up accident. Now, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is incredibly murky after his camp requested permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason.

If Richardson is eventually dealt, the Colts’ backup duties will fall squarely on Riley Leonard, with Seth Henigan serving as an additional developmental depth option. While Leonard is currently competing to lock down the true QB2 spot, he could easily find himself thrust into the starting lineup for Week 1 against the Ravens if Jones encounters any late-summer setbacks in his rehabilitation.

Will Anthony Richardson leave this offseason?

Now that the 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, finding a premium trade package for Anthony Richardson has become significantly more challenging. Most quarterback-needy franchises settled their rooms during free agency and draft weekend, leaving a very quiet market for the young signal-caller.

However, a trade could still realistically materialize later this summer due to unique contract mechanics. Any team trading for Richardson before August 1 would owe him a $5.385 million cap hit for 2026. If a deal takes place after his August 1 roster bonus is paid out by Indy, his remaining salary drops to a mere $1.145 million.

For now, Richardson has chosen not to hold out. He reported to voluntary workouts and is currently taking the lion’s share of first-team reps while Jones is limited to individual passing drills. Whether Richardson embraces his role as an elite insurance policy or forces his way to a new franchise, his presence guarantees a high-stakes summer in Indianapolis.

Speaking to the Indianapolis Star, Richardson said “The Colts are still giving me a chance to go out there and work, work hard and potentially get on the field.” Hence, it looks like the Colts might be adapting to the idea that no one will grab Richardson.

After all, a few weeks back, Colts GM Chris Ballard said the Colts received no calls as of yet for Richardson. That despite the QB actively looking to go elsewhere as he was relegated by Daniel Jones in the pecking order. As of now, Richardson still hopes to at least impress in OTAs.

Richardson is very young but hasn’t matured his game

Richardson admitted that if he doesn’t work hard and improve, he won’t be in the NFL much longer. Hence, he knows the clock is ticking despite him only being 24 years old when the season rolls around. While young. he’s been in the league for three years and his game is as raw as ever.

Richardson is a freak athlete and has unbelievable arm strength, but he doesn’t read defenses well, misses progressions, has very low accuracy (50.6% career-completion), and he is injury prone. Hence, he’s not a gamble many teams want to take.

The Colts QB situation is tricky

Daniel Jones is recovering from an Achilles tear, his timeline puts him back with the team for Week 1, but that might be rushing him a bit. Richardson is on his way out, and he also suffered a broken orbital bone that has taken longer to recover. Riley Leonard didn’t show much as a rookie last year either.

Hence, the Colts are praying on Daniel Jones’ recovery to be perfect and fast to get some stability. Jones came to the Colts after losing all his stock in the NFL. However, he was a pleasant surprise with the Colts. He had an 8-5 record before injury, throwing for 3,101 yards on 68% completion, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Colts were the second-worst defense in passing yards last season. However, by putting big pressure on the opposing quarterback, that could change. Anarumo sais defensive end Laiatu Latu will have a breakthrough season.

“He’s not built like a typical defensive end,” Anarumo said. “He’s a jack of all trades… He is going to be unbelievable as he continues his process as a football player. He was on his way to 10 plus sacks last year, I think he’ll get there this year without a doubt.”

The Colts added muscle to the defensive line

Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs, and Caden Curry are new names on the Colts to help improve the pass-rush. They join the likes of Latu and DeForest Buckner. They also picked second-rounder CJ Allen as a linebacker.

Latu ended with 8.5 sacks, 45 tackles, 10 QB hits, and he also racked up an impressive three interceptions from the defensive end position. Latu also had five passes defended and one forced fumble. He is a force to be reckoned with and the Colts are banking on him.

The Colts have a hump to get over

The Colts haven’t reached the playoffs since the 2020. Shane Steichen has had three seasons and he has always wandered around the .500 mark. A 9-8, and then two 8-9 seasons followed. Steichen has done plenty without a proper quarterback, but the need to get into the playoffs is actually one that needs to be solved.

Josh Downs entered the NFL in 2023 as a third-round pick. Three years later, his younger brother Caleb was selected 11th overall by the Cowboys. While Caleb enters with first-round pedigree, Josh was quick to remind him of the family pecking order.

“It’s all fun and games, but I’ve still got to let him know he’s the ‘little brother’ in this situation,” Josh joked, referencing their high school days when his North Gwinnett team blew out Caleb’s Mill Creek.

The Cowboys’ defensive overhaul

Dallas enters 2026 with a revamped defensive projection. Following a difficult 2025 season marked by the departure of Micah Parsons, the front office has aggressively rebuilt the unit. The interior is now anchored by “The Dynamic Duo” of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, both acquired via blockbuster trades.

With Caleb Downs joining a secondary that features Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown (who has moved into a hybrid linebacker role), the Cowboys finally have the “premium instincts” needed to complement Dak Prescott’s offense. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has already praised Caleb’s football IQ, calling his transition to the pro game “seamless.”

A career year looms for Josh Downs

For the elder Downs brother, the 2026 season offers a massive opportunity. With Michael Pittman Jr. traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, Josh is poised to see a significant increase in targets.

Josh currently sits as a primary weapon for quarterback Daniel Jones, who is returning from an Achilles injury after a stellar 2025 campaign where he finished third in the NFL in yards per attempt. If Jones maintains his form, Josh Downs—entering his fourth season—could be the focal point of one of the AFC’s most explosive offenses.

“The Colts will not pick up the fifth-year team option on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.’s rookie contract for the 2027 season, a source confirmed to ESPN.”

For a player once seen as the future of the franchise, the decision marks a disappointing turn. Selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson arrived in Indianapolis with expectations of becoming the next elite quarterback in a lineage that once included Peyton Manning.

Injuries and inconsistency derail expectations for Anthony Richardson

Instead, Anthony Richardson’s tenure has been defined by setbacks. Injuries limited his availability, while inconsistency on the field prevented him from fully developing into the player the Colts envisioned. Despite flashes of potential, Richardson was never able to establish himself as a reliable long-term option.

By 2025, the Colts had already begun to pivot. Head coach Shane Steichen and the front office brought in veteran Daniel Jones, a move that initially looked like competition, but quickly became something more. After a solid season, Jones has emerged as the likely future at the position in Indianapolis.

That leaves Richardson in an uncertain position. Without the fifth-year option, he is now set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, and his time with the Colts appears to be nearing its end.

What’s next for Anthony Richardson?

The focus now shifts to what comes next. Anthony Richardson still possesses the physical tools that made him a top draft pick, and there will likely be teams willing to take a chance on unlocking that potential.

The question is whether he can find the right situation to reset his career, and whether he can stay healthy and consistent enough to finally deliver on the promise that once made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the league. For the Colts, the decision brings clarity. For Richardson, it opens the door to a second chance elsewhere.