The Indianapolis Colts (10-4) are vying for a spot in the AFC playoff race with just two games remaining in the regular season.
Currently holding the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff picture, the Colts are right in the thick of the race as they prepare for a crucial Week 16 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3).
The NFL released playoff scenarios for Week 16, detailing how the Colts can clinch a playoff spot this weekend. Here’s a look:
- IND win + BAL loss or tie OR
- IND win + MIA loss or tie OR
- IND tie + BAL loss OR
- IND tie + MIA loss
Winning this weekend against the Steelers is the first step to making the playoffs. Even as the Steelers have struggled in recent weeks, it won’t be an easy task to pull off a win on the road against that elite defense. It can be done, of course, but it won’t be easy.
The Colts will also be keeping an eye on the Ravens vs. Browns matchup, which is on Saturday, as well as the Dolphins vs. Raiders matchup.
Both the Ravens and Browns would hold a tiebreak over the Colts if they are tied with the sam record at the end of the season, which is why a Week 16 win would be the simplest way the Colts could get in.
Indy has a game lead over the Dolphins in the playoff race so they are pulling for Miami to split their next two games against the Raiders and Bills at best.
These final two weeks will be hectic for the Colts, and this Week 16 matchup with the Steelers will have all of the implications. It could help them secure a playoff spot or complicate matters even more going into the final week of the regular season.
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