How the Colts can still make the NFL playoffs
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A slim chance is still a chance. Photo: Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images
The Indianapolis Colts will watch Week 14 from the sidelines, but their slim playoff chances still hang in the balance this weekend.
Why it matters: In addition to being perfect for the rest of 2024, the Colts will need help from teams like the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens to reach the postseason for the first time since 2020.
By the numbers: Despite having a 6-7 record, The Athletic gives the Colts a 26% chance of making the playoffs.
How it works: The easiest way for the Colts to make the cut is by winning their remaining four games. The Broncos, who the Colts play in Week 15, would also have to lose that game and one more.
- If the Colts lose in Week 15 but rally back to finish the season 9-8, they could end up tied for a wild card spot with teams like the Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, Dolphins and Bengals.
- In that scenario, the Colts would have a tiebreaker advantage over those teams by having the best AFC record of the bunch.
- The Colts could also win the division if they win all their games and the Texans go 1-3 in their next four games.
What we're watching: With the Broncos, Texans and Ravens also enjoying bye weeks, these are some of the most important games for fans to keep track of over the weekend.
Jets vs. Dolphins, 1pm Sunday
- The Dolphins stay alive with a win, and they face the Texans in Week 15.
Browns vs. Steelers, 1pm Sunday
- If the Steelers somehow collapse and end up in the AFC wild-card race, the Colts hold a head-to-head tiebreaker over them.
Chargers vs. Chiefs, 8:20pm Sunday
- The Chargers could also plummet into wild card territory with a slate of losses, and they play the Broncos in Week 16.