This wild scenario could eliminate the Colts from playoff contention in Week 15
Depending on the outcome of several games, the Indianapolis Colts could be eliminated from playoff contention after Week 15.
The Indianapolis Colts are in a weird spot as a team at this point in the season. Sitting at 4-8-1 entering Week 15, Indy could possibly end the season with the No. 1 overall pick, or Indianapolis could still make the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. Considering their position in the AFC South, and the league as a whole, the direction of the Colts’ season is still very open. However, some possibilities could start disappearing after Week 15.
This late into the season, it’s all about scenarios. Like what scenarios need to take place for certain teams to clinch playoff berths and division championships. Well, there’s a scenario that could happen in Week 15 that could see the Colts being eliminated from playoff contention, but it has a lot of moving parts.
What eliminates the Colts from playoff contention?
Of course, the scenario all starts with Indianapolis losing its Saturday matchup to the Minnesota Vikings. A win would allow Indy to hang in the mix a little longer. With a loss, eyes then turn to several other games that will determine whether or not the Colts’ will remain in the playoff race. Nat Newell of the IndyStar did a good job of laying out what needs to happen in order for Indy to be eliminated.
As stated, the Colts losing is the first domino. Then, if the Tennessee Titans can defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, and if the New York Jets or the New England Patriots win one of their respective games, Indianapolis would be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. With so many moving parts, the likelihood of it all happening is pretty low.
The Titans have been struggling, so they’ll be challenged by a Chargers team that is getting healthy and hitting its stride. That matchup alone could be the scenario buster. Depending on where you are as a fan at this point in the season, you may be clinging on to the hope that Indy could squeeze into the playoffs and make some noise or you may be fully on board with the tanking movement. Either way, Indy’s direction could receive some clarity during the Week 15 slate of games.
