1. Indy has to keep its foot on the gas
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has really shown what this team and staff is capable of these past four weeks. In weeks 9-13, where the Colts went 4-0, they only scored under 27 points just once in those four games. The one time was against New England where they won 10-6 on a neutral site in Germany. Despite a bad record, the Patriots have been really good defensively and Indy just happened to be on the receiving end that week.
Steichen has shown his ability to cater his offense to the strength of the players that he has on his roster. He has adapted to different quarterbacks and running backs this season. The team has responded to his coaching and his accountability in the locker room, and that’s why Indy is 7-5 with a pretty good chance of going to the playoffs.
This Cincinnati team is battle tested, as they have played in two consecutive AFC title games and Super Bowl LVI. Whatever Steichen has been able to find in this football team, it needs to continue. This will be a great experience for the younger players to really gain some December football experience if the Colts happen to make the playoffs.