The 1987 Indianapolis Colts season was the 35th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and fourth in Indianapolis. It was also their first full season under head coach Ron Meyer, who had taken over an 0-13 Colts team the previous season after Rod Dowhower was fired. The team finished the strike-shortened season with a record of 9-6 and won the AFC East division. This season marked the first winning season, division championship, and playoff appearance for the Colts since 1977, when they were still in Baltimore. NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Off and Running; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye.

Offseason

NFL draft

NFL replacement players

After the league decided to use replacement players during the NFLPA strike, the following team was assembled:

Roster

Pre season

Schedule

Preseason Game summaries

Week P1 (Saturday, August 15, 1987): at Detroit Lions

Week P2 (Saturday, August 22, 1987): at Minnesota Vikings

Week P3 (Saturday, August 29, 1987): vs. Houston Oilers

Week P4 (Saturday, September 5, 1987): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Regular season

On October 31, 1987, the Los Angeles Rams traded Eric Dickerson to the Indianapolis Colts in a three team trade involving the Buffalo Bills. The Rams sent Dickerson to the Colts for six draft choices and two players. Buffalo obtained the rights to Cornelius Bennett from Indianapolis. Buffalo sent running back Greg Bell and three draft choices to the Rams, while Indianapolis added Owen Gill and three of their own draft picks to complete the deal with the Rams.

Schedule

Regular Season Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 13, 1987): vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 2 (Sunday, September 20, 1987): vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 3 (Sunday, September 27, 1987): at St. Louis Cardinals

Cancelled due to player's strike.

Week 4 (Sunday, October 4, 1987): at Buffalo Bills

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 5 (Sunday, October 11, 1987): vs. New York Jets

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 6 (Sunday, October 18, 1987): at Pittsburgh Steelers

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 7 (Sunday, October 25, 1987): vs. New England Patriots

Week 8 (Sunday, November 1, 1987): at New York Jets

Week 9 (Sunday, November 8, 1987): vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 10 (Sunday, November 15, 1987): at Miami Dolphins

Week 11 (Sunday, November 22, 1987): at New England Patriots

Week 12 (Sunday, November 29, 1987): vs. Houston Oilers

Week 13 (Sunday, December 6, 1987): at Cleveland Browns

Week 14 (Sunday, December 13, 1987): vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 15 (Sunday, December 20, 1987): at San Diego Chargers

Week 16 (Sunday, December 27, 1987): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Standings

Stats

Passing Rushing Receiving Kicking Punting Kick Return Punt Return Sacks Interceptions Fumbles Tackles Scoring Summary Team Quarter-by-quarter

Playoffs

The team received a bye for the Wild-Card round of the playoffs and traveled to Cleveland for the divisional round. After being tied with Browns for most of the game the 4th quarter proved to be their undoing, as they were outscored 17–7.

Playoff Game summaries

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: First-round bye

AFC Divisional Playoffs (Saturday, January 9, 1988): at (A2) Cleveland Browns