AFC Playoff Picture On The Brink: Colts' Postseason Fate Hangs In Balance After Week 17
AFC Playoff Picture On The Brink: Colts' Postseason Fate Hangs In Balance After Week 17
The Indianapolis Colts' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread following a disappointing 31-17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. The Colts now sit at 8-8 on the season, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans for the final two Wild Card spots.
Colts' Postseason Chances
The Colts' playoff chances are slim, but they are not impossible. They need to win their final game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars and hope that either the Steelers or Titans lose their respective games. If both the Steelers and Titans win, the Colts will be eliminated from playoff contention.
The Colts' chances of making the playoffs are currently at 22%, according to ESPN's Football Power Index. That's a significant drop from their 50% chance of making the playoffs before the Raiders game.
Colts' Offensive Struggles
The Colts' offensive struggles have been well-documented this season. Quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown for just 3,569 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He has also been sacked 41 times.
The Colts' running game has also been ineffective. Running back Jonathan Taylor has rushed for just 1,161 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He has also fumbled the ball six times.
Colts' Defensive Struggles
The Colts' defense has also been a major disappointment this season. They have allowed 431 points, which ranks 29th in the NFL. They have also allowed 6,383 yards, which ranks 30th in the NFL.
The Colts' pass defense has been particularly bad. They have allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 67.5% of their passes for 4,300 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Colts' Coaching Situation
The Colts' coaching situation is also in flux. Head coach Frank Reich is on the hot seat after the Colts' disappointing season.
Reich is 40-33-1 in four seasons with the Colts. He has led the Colts to the playoffs twice, but he has not won a playoff game.
If the Colts miss the playoffs this season, it is likely that Reich will be fired. The Colts have a number of potential replacements in mind, including former Saints coach Sean Payton and former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.
Conclusion
The Colts' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. They need to win their final game of the season and hope that either the Steelers or Titans lose their respective games. If both the Steelers and Titans win, the Colts will be eliminated from playoff contention.
The Colts' offensive and defensive struggles have been well-documented this season. They have also been plagued by injuries and coaching issues.
If the Colts miss the playoffs this season, it is likely that Reich will be fired. The Colts have a number of potential replacements in mind, including former Saints coach Sean Payton and former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.