Rivalries are a tricky thing to figure out.

They can pop up unexpectedly Ryan Grant Color Rush Jersey , or be entrenched in team history. They can be focused more around a group of players, or they could be so deep that the franchises themselves seem to breed dislike for one another amongst fans and players alike. In the decade from 2000-2010, few rivalries were more noteworthy or exciting than the Colts/Patriots rivalry. Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady was always a good prime time matchup, and over the years the teams took turns disrupting one another in some epic showdowns. Many Patriots fans disdain this “rivalry” for obvious reasons. The Colts haven’t beaten the Patriots in the Andrew Luck era. Their side of the rivalry has been the much the same as the rivalry that new asphalt has with a steamroller. However, Colts fans still feel overwhelmingly as though the Patriots are their primary rival according to the FanPulse results. Why is that?For starters, I think it is because since the Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis, there haven’t been many teams who could hang with the Colts with any regularity. Manning’s Colts ran roughshod over the league with few exceptions. While they had their playoff struggles, they won a lot of games. It is tough to view other teams as rivals when you regularly beat them all. That is certainly a sentiment that Patriots fans can relate to. As a result https://www.coltsfanshop.com/Marshall-Faulk-Jersey , the closest thing to a rival that the Indianapolis Colts fans can claim historically, is the Patriots. I believe that may be close to changing, however. The second team in these rankings is quickly becoming the thorn in the side of this Colts team under Andrew Luck. The Houston Texans stood in the way of the 2015 and 2016 Colts, blocking them from the playoffs. They are positioned well to win the AFC South so long as they continue to take care of business to finish out their season. In truth, the only thing missing that keeps this rivalry from being fully established is that Texans fans and players are not inherently unlikable in the same way that Patriots fans and players are. While you might think that J.J. Watt is a bit pompous at times, he is undoubtedly a very generous person who cares about his community and helped lead an effort to help it recover after Hurricane Harvey. Best of all, he doesn’t seem like he would try to convince you that you should wear Ugg boots and drink kale shakes. Deshaun Watson is an exciting player but doesn’t have the bravado or trash talk that make a team easy to hate. DeAndre Hopkins is stupidly good, but not a guy who engenders a natural hatred. Essentially Eric Ebron Jersey , this rivalry is just missing a spark. There will be plenty of heat as the two teams continue their collision course toward one another December 9th. The outcome of that contest could have far reaching consequences both for the division and for the prospect of a wild card slot. Whether or not the team is likeable, the fact remains that they have been the most consistent threat to the Colts winning the AFC South since Andrew Luck took over under center. When the Colts have played them, the games are closer and the stakes are typically higher than almost any other game for the Colts. Now that they have a franchise quarterback, this rivalry is likely to get even more competitive. What do you think? Who do you feel is the Colts’ biggest rival? Andrew Luck And The Colts Are The Most Improved Offense Of 2018In 2017, Indianapolis ranked 30th in points and 31st in yards. The Colts also ranked 29th in Net Yards per Attempt and 31st in touchdown passes. This year, with Andrew Luck back, the Colts rank 5th in points and 9th in yards, while ranking 13th in NY/A and 2nd in touchdown passes. No offense hasColts Dolphins preview: Andrew Luck hot streak Matt Slauson Color Rush Jersey , Ryan Tannehill returnIs Andrew Luck ever going to slow down? And how much will a new center affect the Colts offense?Seven Things To Watch: Colts vs. Dolphins | WFNI ESPN 107.5 / 1070 The Fan | Indy's SportsCenterThe Colts will close out their three-game homestand on Sunday in a 4:25 PM kick against the Miami Dolphins. What are seven things to watch for as the Colts (5-5) take on the Dolphins (5-5) in Week 12 of the 2018 regular season?Colts Notebook: Malik Hooker Good To Go For Sunday’s Game Versus Dolphins | WFNI ESPN 107.5 / 1070 The Fan | Indy's SportsCenterThe Colts have ruled four players out for this Sunday’s meeting with the Dolphins. What does the Colts’ final injury report of the week look like?Colts vs. Dolphins: What to watch for Sunday | CBS 4 - Indianapolis News, Weather, Traffic and Sports | WTTVINDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Areas of interest in the Indianapolis Colts’ meeting with the Miami Dolphins Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff: 4:25 p.m.The collective admiration of age-defying NFL legend Frank Gore - Miami Dolphins Blog- ESPNTeammates and coaches share their stories about Dolphins RB Frank Gore, marveling at his work ethic, football acumen and incredible longevity.