If there even is an NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts won't have it easy:
The Colts' schedule ranks fifth-toughest according to opponents' composite record (133-123) and includes long-time AFC rivals New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati.
The road schedule looks particularly daunting, with trips to Tampa Bay and New Orleans, as well as New England.
If the Colts are any good, the tough schedule should make them even better by playoff time. If they're not, better to find it out early rather than have our hearts broken at the last minute. As a bit of good news, My friend's beloved Lions finally have a Monday night game, so she can watch them lose in prime time. (Sorry, just kidding! They're actually much better than their record indicates -- lots of close games and falling apart in the last 10 minutes.)
My instincts as a fan tell me the team-player negotiations will get back on track and there will be a season. The NFL is at the height of its popularity, and it would be criminally stupid to risk fan displeasure the way baseball did. But I'm a skeptic, too, so I have my "I can't believe they're this stupid!" rant dusted off and ready.
