The Indianapolis Colts (7-3) continue to prove to the league that they are a team not to be trifled with. That was most recently put on display in their 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers (7-3).
The Colts have steadily been sitting in the top-10 of the power rankings over the last month or so. But now, they enter the elite tier of teams. In Touchdown Wire’s power rankings entering Week 12, the Colts sit at No. 4.
By any stretch this was critical week for the Indianapolis Colts. Squaring off with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers provided a big test for Indianapolis before Thanksgiving. The Colts rose to the occasion with their 34-31 overtime win.
You also saw some creativity from Frank Reich in the downfield passing game. One of the things that Reich loves to do is run vertical concepts out of heavier personnel. On the touchdown to Trey Burton, the Colts lined up with 13 offensive personnel on the field, meaning three tight ends. Green Bay responded with a base defense and played Cover 3 in the secondary. Indianapolis then motioned the running back out wide and ran four verticals, with Burton running a seam route from the inside alignment. Rivers did a great job moving the post safety with his eyes and hitting the TE for the touchdown.
With the win the Colts remained just ahead of the Tennessee Titans in the division, thanks to their victory over Tennessee a few short days ago. The rematch? That’s this Sunday in Indianapolis, and the Colts have a chance to sweep the season series and put themselves in great position in the AFC South.
Only the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers were ranked ahead of the Colts.
The Colts are currently the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoff picture and with a crucial game coming up against the Tennessee Titans at home, it is a matchup that very well could determine the winner of the AFC South.
This win over the Packers proved the Colts can hang with even the best of teams as they prepare to make a playoff run.
Now, they can sweep the series against the Titans this week and control their own destiny toward a playoff spot.
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