As of now, the Colts stand at 6-7 on the season and hold the AFC's eighth seed. They are currently two games behind the 8-5 Denver Broncos, who currently occupy the final playoff spot in the conference. This tight race for a playoff berth has fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats.
The Colts find themselves in a precarious situation, needing to make up a significant deficit with only four games left in the schedule. However, they do have an advantage as they play the Broncos right after the bye week and have the easiest remaining schedule in football thereafter.
While it's obvious to root against the Denver Broncos, who are currently in the playoff spot, they are also on their bye week. This leaves other teams that can impact the Colts' playoff chances. The Houston Texans, for instance, have not yet locked up the AFC South, and the Baltimore Ravens, with a high playoff odds and the same 8-5 record as Denver, are also in the mix.
Another team to root against to keep them out of the playoff hunt is the Miami Dolphins. Currently at 5-7, a win would give them the same record as the Colts. The Dolphins are set to host the Jets this week, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
The Colts' playoff odds entering Week 14, according to NFL.com, stand at 26%. Making up a two-game deficit is no easy feat, but their upcoming games against the Broncos offer a glimmer of hope. While overtaking the Broncos for the seventh seed seems more likely, catching up to the Houston Texans or Baltimore Ravens is a much more distant possibility.
Even after the bye week, there are still uncertainties. Fans have to decide whether to root against these teams or hope for the best. The Colts' playoff destiny hangs in the balance, and every game from here on out will be crucial.