The Indianapolis Colts squandered a massive opportunity in Week 17, falling to the worst team in the league, as the New York Giants beat them by double-digits. The loss ensured that the Colts' long-shot odds of making the playoffs went from slim to none, and they're now eliminated from getting into the postseason.
Colts fans knew it was going to be a tough path to get into the playoffs, but there was still hope if they held off a bad Giants team in Week 17. The Colts couldn't even do that, losing 45-33 to a team that had nothing to play for.
Let's look at what the playoff standings look like now that the Colts have kissed any chance of making it good-bye.
Updated AFC playoff standings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
4. Houston Texans (9-7)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
7. Denver Broncos (9-7)
In the hunt: Cincinnati Bengals (8-8), Miami Dolphins (7-8)
As you can see, the Colts aren't listed as "in the hunt," and are officially eliminated from playoff contention with their Week 17 loss. There's only one spot remaining in the AFC, and it'll likely go to the Broncos, as all they have to do in Week 18 is beat Kansas City's backups. The Dolphins need to beat two bad teams and hope for a Denver loss, while the Bengals have the Steelers in the final game of the season, and hope the Broncos and Dolphins lose.
This has been a disappointing season for the Colts, and one has to wonder if Shane Steichen is going to be on the hot seat. The team did better than expected during his first year with the team in 2023, but this year has been a mess, and nothing shows that better than this loss to a Giants team that had been laughably bad.
The Giants offense moved the ball up and down the field with ease, and made it look as though the Colts were the team in the running for the first overall pick. Not a good look for Steichen.