The Indianapolis Colts players have recently enjoyed some time off in the middle of the season. The team entered the bye week at 8-2 and in first place of the AFC South by two games in the loss column. The hope was that the Jacksonville Jaguars would fall to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, but the Jags destroyed LA.
Jacksonville also served notice to the rest of the NFL that, like Indianapolis, maybe they are a different version of themselves than in previous seasons. For years, the Jaguars have found a way to underperform, starting with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and spreading to the rest of the roster.
Because the Jaguars have so far failed to deliver on their normal mediocrity, and the fact that the Colts must still play Jacksonville twice (along with playing the Houston Texans twice, too), Indianapolis isn't able to ride its hot start to a relaxed finish to the year. Every upcoming game remains important.
Indianapolis Colts could squelch AFC South rivals' hopes in Week 12
Should Indy go to Kansas City in Week 12 and lose to the surprisingly struggling Chiefs while the Jags beat the bad Arizona Cardinals (both of which could easily happen), only one game in the loss column will separate Indianapolis and Jacksonville.
Moreover, if the Houston Texans defeat the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football (which isn't overly likely), then the Texans and Colts would only be separated by two games in the loss column. In other words, a logical loss by Indy to KC could be the beginning of the AFC South completely becoming a mess.
The Chiefs are just 5-5, but they are 4-1 at home. The Colts are 8-2, but 2-2 on the road. Plus, Daniel Jones has struggled with turnovers in the last two games, and he can't afford that trend to continue after the bye week. After KC, Indianapolis plays the Texans at home and then travels to play the Jaguars.
Jones has thrown just seven interceptions this season, but five have come on the road, including three in the Colts' last road game, in which the team lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9. The good part is that while the Chiefs have a good defense overall, they aren't elite against the pass, ranking 17th in passer rating allowed.
Hopefully, the best-case scenario happens in Week 12 and the Indianapolis Colts begin to impose their will on teams again. Perhaps Indy beats KC, and the Cardinals shock the Jags. That could also happen. If that occurs, the rest of the season could all be a setup for the playoffs for Indy.