What happened: Yahoo Sports Daily's Schwab said Shane Steichen could be dismissed before Halloween if Indianapolis opens 0-5 or 0-6. He tied general manager Chris Ballard to the same slide, saying neither may finish the season without a turnaround.

Why it matters: Indianapolis entered 2026 with continuity questions after Chris Ballard entered his 10th season still seeking a first division title. A winless September would concentrate pressure on the franchise's leadership structure and force an early direction decision.

What to watch: Indianapolis' September results will show whether that timeline tightens or eases.