Weeks 10-13: Mid-season hiccup
Week 10: Colts @ Titans
The Colts’ last game versus Tennessee wasn’t anything pretty at all: a 31-17 loss in which Indianapolis allowed 24 straight points in the second half. The Titans carried their momentum all the way into the AFC Championship game before losing to the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. With a roster that’s largely the same, this matchup will be close.
The Titans will take this game in a close one. While the run defense is improved and should be able to stop Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill is still efficient enough to give Tennessee the win. Rivers is much improved from Jacoby Brissett but still is prone to mistakes; the Titans will capitalize on this and steal a win.
It’s entirely possible for the Colts to win this game, however. It all comes down to the efficiency of the offense. This week won’t be the week for Rivers and Co.; they suffer their second loss in a row to two playoff teams.
Colts record: 6-3
Week 11: Colts vs Packers
Week 11 brings yet another playoff team into the fold for this matchup. This time, its the Packers, who are coming off of an NFC Championship appearance. This game is going to be an offensive slugfest and all comes down to whichever quarterback can outperform the other.
Aaron Rodgers is a significantly better QB than Rivers is, but Rivers and the Colts have more weapons on offense to utilize. It’s going to be a tight matchup, but Rodgers’ way of taking over a game on his own is going to be the deciding factor here. As talented as the defense is, Rodgers will be able to pick apart the team on his way to a victory.
There’s still a chance to sneak out a win for the Colts. It all depends on the defense stopping Rodgers. If he doesn’t have an efficient game, then the door is wide open. Without him at his best, the Packers are a severely depleted team. It isn’t likely, however, and the Colts drop their third game in a row to another playoff team.
Colts record: 6-4
Week 12: Colts vs Titans
Indianapolis looks to end their 3-game losing streak as they go into their final matchup vs Tennessee. It’s really a toss-up on where these two teams finish in the division. As the two favorites, they’re projected to both make it into the playoffs, but seeding is critical to a successful postseason. In this matchup, it’s the Colts’ most important game and they deliver in separating themselves from the rest of the division.
They will finally break their losing streak as Rivers and the passing attack gets into a rhythm and handily defeats the Titans. As I stated before, the game was a toss-up in Week 10 and this time, they will be much more efficient and ready for the Titans. This is the turning point in the season for the team; this will distance them from the rest of the division and show that the beginning of the season wasn’t a fluke.
Colts record: 7-4
Week 13: Colts @ Texans
This game is another crucial game for the Colts to establish themselves as the top dogs in the division. They enter their first matchup with the Texans facing a much different team than last season. The loss of Deandre Hopkins is a huge downside for the Texans; the Colts no longer need to deal with their biggest problem anymore.
Hopkins torched the team with 2 touchdowns in Indy’s November loss. Without him and no significant upgrade on the offensive line, the Colts defense will truly shine for the first time so far. The front seven will have their most productive day on the interior, as they’ll get to Deshaun Watson multiple times and stuff the run game completely. Rivers and the offense will take advantage of the aging defense and walk away with another statement win. NRG Stadium is TY Hilton‘s house, and he’ll have his best game of the season here.
Colts record: 8-4