Will the Indianapolis Colts end their playoff drought this season? They haven’t reached the postseason since 2020 when they finished 11-5 and lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round. Indianapolis currently has a 31 percent chance of making the playoffs. Right now, they own a 5-6 record, good for second place in the AFC South behind the Houston Texans. The 7-4 Texans will win the division unless something really crazy happens. That means the Colts will have to grab one of the final Wild Card spots if they want to sneak into the playoffs this year. It has been a wacky season for the Colts, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Anthony Richardson was benched in favor of Joe Flacco. Then Richardson got his starting job back and had a breakout game versus the New York Jets. The Colts have six games remaining in the regular season. We’ll see if Richardson or Flacco (you never know who will be the quarterback) will provide the Colts a path to the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts Path to the 2025 Playoffs
Week 12, Home vs. Detroit Lions (9-1)
Indy’s next game will be against the mighty Detroit Lions. Detroit nearly reached the Super Bowl last year, and they could certainly make the game and win it this season. The Lions simply destroyed the Jacksonville Jaguars 52-6 in Week 11. Don’t expect a 46-point win over the Colts, but Detroit will still come away with a victory. Let’s face it, they’re just too good.
Week 13, Away at New England Patriots (3-8) + Week 15, Away at Denver Broncos (6-5)
The great Tom Brady and Bill Belichick-led dynasty has been over for years. However, don’t underestimate this year’s New England Patriots squad. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye looks like he’s going to be a special player for a long time. The North Carolina product is coming off a sensational performance against the Los Angeles Rams, going 30 of 40 for 282 yards, and throwing two touchdown passes. Expect Maye and Co. to win this contest against the visiting Colts.
Speaking of rookie quarterbacks, the Denver Broncos also have a good one in Bo Nix. The former Oregon Duck threw for an impressive 307 yards and four touchdowns in Week 11. Nix is the real deal, and he’ll find a way to lead the Broncos to a victory over the Colts.
Week 16, Home vs. Tennessee Titans (2-8) + Week 17, Away at New York Giants (2-8) + Week 18, Home vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
Indy will finish the regular season against three teams with only two wins. And look for the Colts to win all three contests.
With Flacco under center, the Colts defeated the Tennessee Titans on the road earlier this year Now, they’ll beat the franchise quarterback-less Titans in Indianapolis this time, possibly with Richardson starting. The Colts have won their last three matchups with Tennessee. Why not make it four straight?
After the Titans game, the Colts will travel to New York to face the Giants. Indy won in MetLife Stadium over the Jets. And they’ll also beat the struggling Giants in the same building.
The Colts will end the regular season at home against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has had a horrible season thus far, posting the worst record in the AFC South. While the Colts usually struggle against the division-rival Jags, they’ll win this one.
What Will the Colts’ Record Be, and Will They Make the Playoffs?
If these predictions come true, the Colts will finish the 2024 campaign with an 8-9 record. Sorry folks, but that’s just not a playoff-caliber record.
It’s pretty much a given that the Kansas City Chiefs, Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Chargers will make the playoffs in the AFC. And look for the Broncos to clinch the seventh and final spot. That means the Colts will miss out on the postseason, joining teams like the Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, Indy’s drought won’t end this year.
Main Image: Brad Penner – USA Today Sports
