The Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chances are in their own hands. It’s “win and you’re in” for Indy, meaning this weekend is essentially a playoff game. Let’s discuss the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chance and playoff scenarios heading into the final week of the season.
AFC Playoff Picture
While most of the teams in the AFC Playoff picture are set, there are a couple of spots up for grabs and we could see a lot of shuffling. On top is the Baltimore Ravens, who have locked up the bye week. After that, there is still plenty to be decided.
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills play in the final game of the regular season. The winner will win the AFC East. While the Dolphins have clinched a playoff spot, a loss for the Bills could drop them out of the playoffs altogether. Another important divisional game is between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. The winner will make the playoffs, and winning the division isn’t out of the question either, as the Jacksonville Jaguars could also fall out of the AFC Playoff picture with a loss.
Finally, you cannot count the Pittsburgh Steelers out yet. A win and either a Bills or Jaguars loss would get them into the dance despite all of their quarterback issues. They may be able to sneak in with a loss as well. Craziness.
Let’s take a look at the AFC Playoff picture. Remember, the top seven teams in the AFC Playoff standings are in, and winning the division rewards the team with a top-four seed.
The Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chances are looking solid right now, and that’s because their postseason destiny is in their own hands. With a win, they would clinch a playoff spot this weekend.
According to PFF, the Colts’ playoffs chances sit at 50%. The ESPN Power Index views the Colts’ odds to make the playoffs about the same, at 51.7%. This model also gives the Colts less than a 20% chance to win a playoff game this year. Let’s take a look at the Colts’ playoff scenarios.
With a win over the Houston Texans, the Colts will clinch a playoff spot. A loss would knock them out altogether. However, a tie against Houston would keep Indianapolis alive. In this case, the Colts would need either the Jaguars or Steelers to lose as well.
Can the Colts Make the Playoffs?
Can the Colts make the playoffs? The answer is absolutely yes! In fact, if the playoffs started today, the Colts would be in!
Not only can the Colts make the playoffs, but they could still win the AFC South as well. If Indianapolis wins this weekend and the Jaguars lose or tie, the Colts would win the division and host a playoff game. The same would be true if the Colts tie and the Jaguars lose.
However, the Colts will clinch a Wild Card spot with a win or if they tie and the Steelers lose or tie. Obviously, the Colts’ road to the playoffs is in their own hands. You can bet on the Colts’ playoff odds in either direction ahead of this weekend’s matchup.
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