The Indianapolis Colts’ chances of making the playoffs are unclear.
The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) are fighting for their postseason life. After another fourth-quarter comeback against the New England Patriots (3-10), quarterback Anthony Richardson has Indianapolis fans believing in his team. With four games remaining in the season, the Colts’ postseason chances are at 23%, according to The Upshot, a New York Times odds simulator.
As the Colts enter their bye week, so do the Denver Broncos (7-5). As the season comes to a close, the Broncos are the AFC’s seventh seed. Following their bye week, Indianapolis will travel to Denver for a game that might determine the conference’s playoff picture.
Following the Broncos game, the Colts’ schedule is as follows: Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans (3-9), Week 17 at the New York Giants (2-10), and Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10). All three teams are in the bottom of their divisions, which positions Indianapolis nicely for a winning streak to end the regular season. Shane Steichen, the team’s head coach, emphasizes the importance of taking each game as it comes.
Fought through it and stuck to it. pic.twitter.com/gnQgT8qd1S
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 1, 2024
Indy Needs a Win in Denver.
If the Colts defeat the Broncos, their playoff chances increase to a much higher 60%. If they lose, their chances drop to an awful 7%. The Colts offense’s ability to score points against the NFL’s third-ranked defense is critical this season.
Even if Indianapolis loses to Denver but wins its remaining three games, its postseason chances are an unimpressive 27%. Walking out with a win at Mile High Stadium could be the pinnacle of Shane Steichen’s early head coaching career.
If the Colts win in Week 14, they’ll most likely need to win at least two of their next three games to stay in contention. Any combination of two wins in the last three gives Indy a 70% chance of making the playoffs. Winning all four games almost secures a berth, with a 99% likelihood.
AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE:
(After Week 13)#1 Chiefs (11-1) [Clinched Playoffs]
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#2 Bills (10-2) [Clinched Division]
#3 Steelers (9-3)
#4 Texans (8-5)
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#5 Chargers (8-4)
#6 Ravens (8-5)
#7 Broncos (8-5 or 7-6)–
IN THE HUNT:
Colts (6-7)
Fins (5-7)#NFL— Sports & TV (@SPORTSandTV1) December 2, 2024
The Colts Can’t Afford Two More Losses.
Reaching nine losses would effectively terminate the season. Teams with a losing record seldom make the playoffs, and the AFC has far too many talented teams to allow a losing team to sneak into the postseason.
Looking at the various simulations, the importance of the Broncos game is still evident. In any two-loss scenario, the Colts will most likely miss the playoffs. If the Colts win in Denver then lose two of their last three games, their postseason chances drop to a dismal 15%. If the Colts lose at Denver and any other game, their chances of winning are reduced to 2%.
Beating the Broncos is a huge order, but it is entirely attainable. Denver, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, has held their own throughout the season, coming one field goal shy of defeating the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1). Force Nix into difficult throws will be critical to Gus Bradley’s defensive effectiveness.
The Colts’ fate is in their hands. If momentum can be built off a win over the Broncos, Indianapolis has a slim chance of making the playoffs. We’ll see how the Colts approach the bye week, which comes before a vital four-game stretch.
