What happens to the Colts’ playoff chances if they lose to the Texans on Saturday?

After defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17, quarterback Gardner Minshew told his Indianapolis Colts teammates that they didn’t ask for things to be easy; all they asked for was a chance. On Saturday night, a chance is exactly what Minshew and the Colts will get. Facing off against the Houston Texans for the regular-season finale, Indy has a chance to clinch a playoff spot and win the AFC South.

In order to win the division, Indianapolis will need a little help. Indy could win the division with a win + a Jacksonville Jaguars loss or tie, and the Colts could also win the AFC South with a tie on Saturday + a Jaguars loss.

The good news, though, is that Indy doesn’t need any help getting into the postseason. That path is simple: win and the Colts are in. A win over the Texans would at least guarantee Indy one of the three wild card spots. But what happens if Indy loses to Houston; is there still a path to the postseason with a loss on Saturday night?

Can Colts still make the playoffs if they lose to Texans?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. A loss to Houston on Saturday will end the season for Indianapolis. This game is pretty simple for both teams: win and in, lose and go home. There is, however, another option: a tie.

That’s something the Colts and Texans are pretty familiar with, considering the Week 1 meeting during the 2022 season between the two teams ended in a 20-20 draw. If something similar happens on Saturday, there will be major playoff implications.

While the Colts can’t get in with a loss, they will be able to make it into the postseason with a tie, as long as the Pittsburgh Steelers lose or tie in their Week 18 game. So if the Colts lose, their season is over. If they tie, they have a chance. If they win, Indianapolis will be playing postseason football for the first time since the 2020 season.

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