Colts face must-win situation in must-watch Seahawks matchup
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The once historically hot Indianapolis Colts suddenly find themselves out of playoff position after dropping four of their last five games.
Why it matters: Their next opportunity to snap the losing streak comes Sunday when they play a surging Seattle Seahawks squad that shares the best record in their division after winning three games straight.
The intrigue: The game being a must-win already makes it a must-watch for Colts fans.
- But the unexpected potential return of Chargers great and one-time Colts playoff QB Philip Rivers, who hasn't played in an NFL game in nearly five years, has created additional buzz around the matchup.
The latest: It's uncertain if 44-year-old Rivers will play. Colts head coach Shane Steichen said the team was still considering who would start at QB on Sunday.
- Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and said he "feels really good" despite suffering a knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
What they're saying: "I wasn't really hanging on it with any hope of playing again. I kind of thought that ship had sailed, but something about it excited me," Rivers said. "It's kind of one of those deals where a door opens and you can either walk through it and find out if you can do it through it, or run from it."
Flashback: Steichen worked closely with Rivers for six seasons as a member of the Chargers coaching staff.
- Rivers also has history with Leonard, mentoring the young quarterback ahead of the 2024 college football season when both men lived in Fairhope, Alabama.
State of play: The Colts (8-5) need a win Sunday to keep their hopes of fighting for an AFC Wild Card spot alive.
- They currently have a 28% chance of making the postseason, per an NFL Next Gen Stats analysis. That probability climbs to 52% with a win this weekend, and drops to 23% with a loss.
- The Seahawks (10-3) are playing with far less pressure and are currently in fifth place in the NFC. Seven teams from each conference make it to the playoffs.
How to watch: Colts vs. Seahawks starts at 4:25pm Sunday on CBS.
- Listen live on 93.5/107.5 The Fan, 97.1 HANK and the Ascension St. Vincent Radio Network.