NFL: These 9 Things Must Happen For Indianapolis Colts to Make the Playoffs
The Indianapolis Colts are hanging on by a thread. With just one week remaining, the odds of them winning the AFC South are extremely slim. On top of that, their top two quarterbacks are currently injured. Never say "never." The Colts are still alive, technically.
Here are nine things that must happen for the Colts to win the AFC South.
1. Colts beat the Titans
This is an obvious one. The Colts must win their next game and improve to 8-8. Even without a winning record, they could still make the playoffs by winning the division.
2. Jaguars beat the Texans
Another obvious one. The Colts need the Houston Texans to lose because then it would make the Texans 8-8. They would be tied with the Colts for first in the AFC South. Now here is where things get really complicated.
3. Bills beat the Jets
The Colts lost to the New York Jets back in Week 2, but the Texans actually beat the Jets in Week 11. Therefore, based on strength of schedule, the Colts need the Jets to lose.
4. Dolphins beat the Patriots
This is a big one because of strength of victory, The Colts beat the Miami Dolphins last week, but the Texans failed to take care of business against the fish back in Week 7. If the Dolphins beat the Patriots, it would give the Colts an edge. The Dolphins have beat the Patriots the last two years in Miami.
5. Ravens beat the Bengals
In a rather surprising game, the Texans defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 10-6 in Week 10. It was a prime-time game, so maybe it wasn't a huge shocker that the Bengals lost. That was a huge win by the Texans, and the Colts never played the Bengals this year. A Ravens win in this game would devalue that win from Week 10.
6. Falcons beat the Saints
This is a big one because of common games. The Texans dominated the New Orleans Saints 24-6, but the Colts fell to Drew Brees and the Saints in Week 7. It's definitely possible for the Falcons to beat the Saints. The Falcons did just score a huge victory over the Carolina Panthers.
7. Raiders beat the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs show no sign of slowing down, but the Colts need them to lose against the Raiders. The Chiefs beat the Texans earlier this year, so a Raiders win this week would decrease the Texans "strength of schedule."
8. Broncos beat the Chargers
The Colts biggest win of the season came against the Denver Broncos, but that was also the game they suffered a few key injuries. A Broncos victory would increase the Colts strength of victory. The Texans did not play the Broncos this season.
9. Steelers beat the Browns
Even though the Colts lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season, this game should go their way. The Steelers have beat the Browns nine of the last 11 times.
So there you have it. The Colts are still alive to win the AFC South. They just have to win their upcoming game against the Titans, and get a little help from the rest of the league.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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