When it comes to their playoff odds, the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams with the most to gain, as well as lose, in Week 12.
According to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, a win on Sunday and the Colts playoff odds sit at 54 percent. A loss, however, and their playoff chances are at only 25 percent.
There are only three teams across the NFL that see a bigger playoff swing on Sunday than what the Colts do.
Following their win last Sunday, the Colts improved to 5-6 and are only one game out of a playoff, trailing the 6-5 Denver Broncos. They are two games behind Baltimore for the sixth seed.
But awaiting the Colts are the 9-1 Detroit Lions, who feature the NFL’s highest-scoring offense and a defense that ranks fifth in scoring. Basically, pick a metric, and you’ll probably see the Lions somewhere near the top as arguably the most complete team in football.
As difficult as this matchup will be, the Colts’ strength of schedule for the remainder of the year–for what it’s worth–is among the easiest in football. After the Detroit game, the only team above .500 that Indianapolis plays is Denver, while the other four games are against teams with just two or three wins.
This is probably one of the reasons why their playoff odds take such a big jump with a win on Sunday. On the flip side, while there is still time left to overcome a loss, digging out of a potential 5-7 hole with only five games left isn’t an easy task either.
Obviously, step one is for the Colts to take care of their own business, but we are at the time of the year where scoreboard watching is acceptable.
So along with rooting for the Colts to win, here are the other teams to cheer for in Week 12:
Chargers (vs. Ravens)
Raiders (vs. Broncos)
Patriots (vs. Dolphins)
*The Bengals are on their bye week.