Category: Colts Wire Features

Colts vs. Texans: 5 things to watch in Week 18

Here are five things to watch in the regular season finale.

The Indianapolis Colts are in a win-and-in situation for the playoffs as they are set to host the Houston Texans on Saturday night.

The winner of this contest not only will make the postseason but if the Tennessee Titans are able to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, the winning team will also win the AFC South.

If the Colts do beat the Texans on Saturday night then it will be the first time they have swept Houston and Tennessee in the same season since 2014. Which happens to be the last time Indy won the AFC South.

With a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a possible home playoff game makes the stakes even higher for both franchises. Here are five things to watch for when they faceoff in Lucas Oil Stadium in prime time:

Colts’ unofficial depth chart for Week 18

Here’s the Colts’ unofficial depth chart for Week 18.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) released their unofficial depth chart ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Houston Texans (9-7)

The term “unofficial” should be taken to heart here as the pecking order could change on a whim. Still, we’re here to take a look at the depth chart going into the win-and-in matchup against the Texans.

Here’s a look at the unofficial Week 18 depth chart for the Colts:

Stock up, stock down as Colts enter Week 18

Stock report for the Colts’ going into Week 18.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) came away with a 23-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) in Week 17, giving themselves a chance to make the playoffs if they’re victorious during the regular-season finale.

Though the Colts held the lead from the opening drive of the game, there were a few moments in which the Raiders appeared to be mounting a comeback. However, Indy was able to hold onto the lead despite not scoring a touchdown in the second half.

Now, it’s time to take a look at whose stock was impacted from the team’s largest loss of the season.

When taking stock of a player’s performance, it’s best to be fluid. A player’s stock will fall and rise throughout the season so none of this is set in stone. However, it is important to take note of the narratives and storylines taking place as the campaign progresses.

A player’s stock can be impacted by factors such as their performance or the type of snaps they receive during the games.

Here’s a look at the stock report for the Colts following the Week 17 win:

Colts’ snap count analysis from Week 17 win over Raiders

Analyzing the Colts’ snap counts from the Week 17 win over the Raiders.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) found a way to survive en route to a 23-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Even though the Colts had control of the lead from the opening drive of the game, the Raiders nearly mounted a comeback late in the fourth quarter. Still, the Colts did enough to get a crucial win at home and now have a chance to earn a playoff spot with a win in Week 18.

Before we get to that, though, here’s a look at the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams from the Week 17 win, followed by our analysis below:

Colts will clinch playoff spot if they beat Texans in Week 18

Win and they’re in. Colts control their playoff fate in Week 18.

Win and they’re in.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) will enter the AFC playoffs if they defeat the Houston Texans (9-7) during the Week 18 regular-season finale.

Furthermore, if the Colts win and the Jacksonville Jaguars lose against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18, the Colts would win the division for the first time since 2014.

The Colts cannot make the playoffs if they lose in Week 18 because the first two wild-card spots have already been locked up by the Cleveland Browns (No. 5) and Buffalo Bills (No. 6).

The Colts could take over the No. 6 seed if they win, the Jaguars win and the Bills lose to the Miami Dolphins. They would pass the Bills in the standings because of their superior conference record.

None of the time slots for the Week 18 games have been announced yet, but there is a chance the Colts will play Saturday, Jan. 6, in either the 4:30 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. ET slot.

This has been a wild season and one that has endured plenty of storylines both on and off the field, but the Colts have a chance to make the playoffs in the first season under head coach Shane Steichen, which would be an impressive feat.

[lawrence-related id=93134,93185,93137]

Studs and duds from Colts’ 23-20 win over Raiders

Taking a look at the studs and duds from the Week 17 win.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) defeated the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) to continue their playoff push.

The Colts jumped out to a 7-0 lead early and never relinquished that lead throughout the entire game. The Raiders pulled within three points, but they ultimately failed to recover a last-second onside kick.

Here’s a look at the studs and duds from the Week 17 win:

Colts in the playoff hunt: Week 17 rooting guide

Here is the rooting guide for Colts fans entering Week 17

The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) are still in control of their own playoff destiny with two games remaining in the 2023 regular season.

Coming off a rough loss on the road, the Colts will be looking to bounce back at home against a Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) squad that has found new life under interim head coach Antonio Pierce.

While the focus for the Colts will be solely on winning their game, we can take a look at how Indy can get some help in the playoff race through the other games on the Week 17 slate.

Here’s the rooting guide in Week 17 as the Colts make their final playoff push:

Colts vs. Raiders: How to watch, stream, listen in Week 17

Game information for Week 17.

The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) and Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) will face off Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Week 17 matchup.

Both teams find themselves in the playoff hunt, though the Colts are currently the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Raiders are 4-3 under interim head coach Antonio Pierce and have won their last two games.

Here’s all the information you need heading into this Week 17 matchup:

Colts vs. Raiders: Staff picks and predictions for Week 17

The Colts Wire staff makes picks and predictions for Week 17.

The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) and Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) are just about set for a Week 17 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The sportsbooks have the Colts sitting as home favorites while the experts around the league are pretty split on how this game could turn out.

Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees this Week 17 matchup shaking out: