The Indianapolis Colts were able to take a bit of a load off during the Week 11 bye, but getting back it now, the AFC playoff picture has already shifted in a manner that should have Indy more motivated than ever.
After all of the action was said and done, the Colts found themselves still sitting atop the AFC South, but locked into the no. 3 seed among the conference.
The Colts were not done any favors this past week, either, as they saw victories unfold for the four teams surrounding them in the playoff race.
Latest AFC playoff picture after Colts' Week 11 bye
1. Denver Broncos (9-2)
2. New England Patriots (9-2)
3. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
5. Buffalo Bills (7-3)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)
8. Houston Texans (5-5)
9. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
10. Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
With the very real possibility of Indy getting the no. 1 seed by season's end, they're going to need some help -- and they'll need to continue their own momentum. First up on the docket is a Week 12 road game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Oddly enough, the Chiefs are currently out of the postseason after a loss to the scorching Denver Broncos this past Sunday. But, there isn't anyone ready to count out Patrick Mahomes and company until it's officially and mathematically over for the reigning AFC champs.
A win over the 5-5 Chiefs would be, by far, the biggest statement of the season for Indy. Sending Mahomes and Kansas City to a losing record, this late in the season, and all while staying atop the conference and competing for the top seed?
Yes please.
The Broncos and Patriots are the two hottest teams in football, both having won eight in a row at this point. And, the Colts have already been able to take control over the Broncos on a personal level, after beating them much earlier in the season. That tiebreaker could come into play, for sure.
But, the Colts do not face the Patriots at all this season. So, these next few weeks will be interesting. Indianapolis might end up having to pull for a couple of other AFC playoff hopefuls in a matchup with New England, with both the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills getting a crack at those Pats.
No matter what, though, the Colts seemingly control their destiny. They've already got a huge win over Denver, and going forward, a win over the Chiefs would send quite the message.