Will the Indianapolis Colts find a way to make the playoffs? The team hasn’t reached the postseason since the 2020 campaign. That was back when Philip Rivers was the starting quarterback and the team finished with an 11-5 record. That year, the Colts lost 27-24 in their AFC Wild Card matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
The Colts almost made the playoffs a season ago. However, their dreams were dashed, losing to the Houston Texans in the regular season finale. Led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans went on to win the AFC South and clinched their first postseason berth in four years.
Indianapolis is currently 3-3 this year. After losing their first two contests, they’ve won three of their last four games. Although they have 11 more games to play, the Colts have a shot at making the postseason. Can they get the job done or will this be another disappointing year for Indy fans?
Colts Playoffs: 2 Keys to Indianapolis Making a Postseason Push
They Must Stay Healthy
It seems like a million Colts players have gotten injured this season. Several key players have missed at least one game due to the dreaded injury bug.
Starting quarterback Anthony Richardson has missed the last two contests after suffering an oblique injury in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Veteran backup Joe Flacco, of course, has started in his place and has looked impressive. Richardson will return in the upcoming matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
Unfortunately, the Colts will be without Jonathan Taylor against the Dolphins. This will be the star running back’s third consecutive game missed as he recovers from a high ankle sprain.
Indy’s running game has struggled mightily without Taylor and Richardson on the field. The Colts averaged 132 rushing yards during the first four weeks. Meanwhile, they’ve averaged just 90 in the past two games without the Taylor-Richardson duo in the lineup.
Starters like DeForest Buckner, Ryan Kelly, and Kenny Moore II have also missed time due to injury. If the Colts want to end their playoff drought this season, they’ll certainly need to get healthy.
Watch Out for Wild Card Contenders
It’s highly unlikely that the Colts will win the AFC South. Houston is having a phenomenal season and owns the second-best record (5-1) in the AFC. Barring a monumental breakdown, the Texans should win the division for the second straight year.
That means Indianapolis will likely have to earn a wildcard spot. If the season ended right now, the Colts would be on the outside looking in. Yet, they can still manage to sneak in and grab one of the final wildcard spots.
The Colts will have to look out for several teams as they attempt to clinch a playoff berth. Teams like the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, and Dolphins are three of the main teams that they could compete with for a postseason spot.
All three of those clubs currently have worse records than the Colts. Yet, they possess the talent to snatch a playoff spot.
The Jets recently traded for Davante Adams. Reuniting the star receiver with Aaron Rodgers just might propel the team into the playoffs.
Cincinnati has struggled this year. But you can’t count them out with Joe Burrow leading the way. “Joe Cool” is possibly the NFL’s best quarterback not named Patrick Mahomes.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins probably won’t make the playoffs without Tua Tagovailoa. Miami’s franchise quarterback, who has been out due to a concussion, could return to the lineup soon, though. If that happens and he stays healthy, the Dolphins surely have a shot at reaching the playoffs.
Again, the Colts have 11 games remaining on their schedule. Anything can happen. Don’t be surprised if they land one of the final wildcard spots this year.
Main Photo: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
