Colts' Remaining Schedule Poses Major Challenges

The Indianapolis Colts are facing a critical point in their season, as the team's remaining schedule has been labeled a 'gauntlet.' According to Stampede Blue, the Colts have recently suffered consecutive losses and have only won one of their last four games, leading to questions about their playoff viability.

Starting the season strong with a 7-1 record, the Colts now sit at 8-4, and their next five games will be against formidable opponents, all of whom are contending for their respective division leads. The upcoming fixtures include a challenging away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who also hold an 8-4 record, along with matches against the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers, and a rematch against the Jaguars, with the season ending against the Houston Texans, currently at 7-5.

This slate represents the toughest remaining schedule in the league, with opponents collectively holding a win percentage of .672 post-Week 13, compared to the Colts’ earlier opponents, whose collective win percentage was just .400.

The Colts will need to win all remaining games to clinch a playoff spot, especially since the Jaguars currently hold the tiebreaker over them. The pressure is palpable as they prepare to face the Jaguars in Jacksonville, where they have not won since the 2014-15 season.

As noted by Stampede Blue, this historical losing streak adds to the weight of the upcoming game, making it crucial for the Colts to overcome not just their current form but also the psychological barrier of past failures in Jacksonville.

The Colts' fan base and analysts alike recognize that a victory in this matchup could revitalize the team’s outlook and erase the prevailing doom and gloom surrounding their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans, who recently defeated the Colts and improved their playoff chances to 52%, are also navigating their own tough schedule, further complicating the picture for Indianapolis.

With teams like the Chargers, Jaguars, and Bills also in contention for playoff spots, every game is vital as the Colts strive to secure their position in the postseason. The stakes have never been higher, and the Colts must rise to the occasion in what is being described as an intense and competitive playoff race, as highlighted by both Stampede Blue and Battle Red Blog.