The Indianapolis Colts (5-2) defeated the Detroit Lions (3-4) on Sunday at Ford Field, which helped their standing in the AFC playoff picture as the midway point in the season arrives.
The Big Picture
The Colts have now won five of their last six games and are tied for the lead in the AFC South with the Tennessee Titans, who have dropped their last two games. Indy currently holds the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff race, which is a spot higher than what they entered Week 8 at.
It will be a two-team race for the division between the Colts and Titans. The divisional outcome will likely be determined with two matchups between the teams coming up over the next month.
The Colts also have games against the Ravens (No. 5) and Steelers (No. 1) during the second half of the season.
This Week’s Talking Point
After their big win on the road against the Lions, the Colts will play host to the Baltimore Ravens (5-2) in Week 9. Though they haven’t quite looked like themselves on offense, this will be the toughest test for the Colts thus far—a statement that seemingly comes up every week.
The Ravens are coming off of a close loss to the Steelers in Week 9. While the Colts have been red-hot over the last month and a half, the Ravens will provide an extremely difficult test. This will be a strong litmus test to see just where the Colts are at when compared to the top teams in the conference.
We’ll Also Discuss
The trade deadline is approaching on Tuesday. It is unlikely that the Colts will make any moves but given their chance to win now, they may look at add a piece or two.
The Colts are also hoping to see the return of Kemoko Turay at some point during the next few weeks. It could be this week, but that remains to be seen. We will also be monitoring the injury to wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who left Sunday’s game with a groin injury.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-0)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-1)
3. Buffalo Bills (6-2)
4. Tennessee Titans (5-2)
5. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
6. Indianapolis Colts (5-2)
7. Cleveland Browns (5-3)
In the hunt
8. Las Vegas Raiders (4-3)
9. Miami Dolphins (4-3)
10. Denver Broncos (3-4)
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