Where the Colts’ playoff hopes stand after Week 17 loss
The Indianapolis Colts will enter the final week of the season still seeking a playoff spot.
The Indianapolis Colts were a few plays away from clinching a playoff spot on Sunday, unfortunately, they ultimately fell to the Las Vegas Raiders 23-20.
The Colts had their chances to take the game away, but they were unable to capitalize. They now will enter the final week of the season at 9-7 and the seventh seed in the AFC.
Since seven teams from each conference make the postseason, Indianapolis’ playoff hopes are alive and well, but they must win in Week 18.
AFC playoff picture:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 3, 2022
1) Titans: 11-5
2) Chiefs: 11-5
3) Bengals: 10-6
4) Bills: 10-6
5) Patriots: 10-6
6) Colts: 9-7
7) Chargers: 9-7
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Raiders: 9-7
Steelers: 7-7-1
Ravens: 8-8
PIT must win on MNF to stay alive
Raiders/Chargers play next week
Ravens need a lot of help
Colts face win and in scenario against Jaguars in Week 18
Fortunately for Indianapolis, in Week 18, it faces the worst team in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are just 2-14 and were beaten 50-10 by the New England Patriots on Sunday.
However, the Week 18 game will be on the road and the Colts have historically struggled to win in Jacksonville. Despite Indianapolis being the better franchise for the majority of the last decade, the Jaguars always find a way to win whenever Indy comes to town.
The Colts haven’t won on the road in Jacksonville since 2014. That’s six straight losses as the road team, though, one game was in London.
Essentially, it’s a win-and-in scenario for the Colts in Week 18. Beat the Jags, and they’re in the playoffs.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 2, 2022
(Subtle reminder: Colts haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014.)
That history should be irrelevant come Sunday when the two teams face off. This Jaguars team has been horrible this season, and Indianapolis is significantly better than them.
If Indy is unable to go on the road and prevail in a must-win situation against this Jacksonville team, then the Colts don’t deserve to go to the postseason.
Indy has been a special team during the second half of the season and as a reward, it controls its fate. All that’s left for Indianapolis to do is something that should be easy for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
