The AFC South, 2023 Season

[Colts And Orioles]

o


The AFC South Is Surprisingly Deadlocked in a 4-Way Tie for 1st Place, at 2-2

(By Wendi Oliveros)

https://thesportsdaily.com/news/the-afc-south-is-surprisingly-deadlocked-in-a-4-way-tie-for-1st-place-at-2-2/

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[Colts And Orioles]

o


(COLTS vs. TITANS, 10/08)


A big win for the Colts ......


(1) ) A great game for the Colts' defense.


(2) ) A great game for Zach Moss.


(3) ) Another commendable job of relief pitching by Gardner Minshew.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


The AFC South Is Entertaining Television

(By Stephen Knox)

https://deadspin.com/nfl-week-5-takeaways-jaguars-texans-colts-titans-1850911673


************************************


The Colts and the Titans Play a Thriller in Jonathan Taylor’s Return to the Field


Jonathan Taylor did not touch the ball very much in his 2023 debut for the Colts. In the days leading up to the Colts’ Week 5 matchups against the Titans, he signed a multi-year contract in line with what the top running backs in the NFL receive.

He played against the Titans, but only touched the ball seven times. During the summer, the Colts were projected to not sniff the playoffs. Taylor’s contract dispute was not the only reason for the Colts’ low expectations ...... they entered the season starting a rookie quarterback ...... Anthony Richardson ...... whose scouting report should have been literally stamped “raw.”

Even though Taylor was hardly used, and Richardson exited the game with his second injury of the season, this match-up between division rivals was a fun watch. The Colts were feisty all day, proving that their 2-2 record was no fluke. Derrick Henry was largely a non-factor for the Titans, while his backup ...... Tyjae Spears ...... was a match-up problem for the Colts, as he tallied 11 touches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Also, DeAndre Hopkins was snatching passes from all angles for the Titans, as he totaled 140 yards on 8 receptions.

As well as Hopkins and Spears played, the Colts were still able to pull out the victory at home. Gardner Minshew filled in at quarterback for the second time this season, and threw only 3 incomplete passes out of 4 attempts. Also, from the Colts’ first possession to their final one, Zack Moss was unstoppable ...... he gashed the Titans for 165 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while averaging 7.2 yards per carry in the process.

Going into Sunday’s game, Moss had rushed for 280 yards while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. These Colts, who had the 4-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, are now 3-2 on the season. A backfield tandem of Moss and Taylor ...... at minimum ...... will be able to make the rest of the AFC South consider the Colts a threat.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(COLTS vs. JAGUARS, 10/15)


One week after a great win over the Titans, the Colts had an awful game against the Jaguars.

The only saving grace is that they showed some fight and actually had a scintilla of a chance to make a comeback when they scored two 4th-quarter TD's and had possession of the ball with almost 5 minutes left to play while being down by 14 points.

o

[Dam8610]

o


After a slow start to the 2023 season, Joe Burrow and the Bengals have won 4 straight games, including a big win over the Buffalo Bills on a nationally-televised Sunday Night Football game ...... on Sunday afternoon, they will take on the Houston Texans and their upstart, rookie quarterback.



Winners of 4 Straight, Burrow and the Bengals Prepare for a Matchup With Standout Rookie QB

(By Matthew Dietz)

https://www.wlwt.com/article/joe-burrow-cincinnati-bengals-houston-texans-cj-stroud/45782833

o

The Colts really should've traded up for Stroud.

o


Trevor Lawrence went 17-for-29 for 185 yards, 0 TD's, and 2 INT's ...... he was also sacked 5 times.



49ers Crush Jaguars, 34-3

(By Eric Branch)

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-crush-jaguars-34-3-brock-purdy-defense-18485267.php

o

Color me shocked.

[ChaosTheory]

The Colts really should've traded up for Stroud.


Regardless of the comparison with AR, which we unfortunately have to wait for... Fact remains that we're going to have to deal with that kid for a while.

So far, looks like that's going to suck.

[Dam8610]

Regardless of the comparison with AR, which we unfortunately have to wait for... Fact remains that we're going to have to deal with that kid for a while.

So far, looks like that's going to suck.

Which is exactly why the Colts should've traded up for him.

[Colts And Orioles]

Regardless of the comparison with Anthony Richardson, which we unfortunately have to wait for ...... the fact remains that we're going to have to deal with that kid for a while.

So far, it looks like that's going to suck.





o


We are 5-5 with (mostly) Minshew at quarterback ...... we have a lot to look forward to when Richardson comes back next year.

Also, don't count out the 2023 Colts just yet ...... they would be 7-4 if not for getting robbed in the game against the Browns, and we have what looks to be a solid defense that (when healthy) will keep us in most games.

o

[ChaosTheory]

o


We are 5-5 with (mostly) Minshew at quarterback ...... we have a lot to look forward to when Richardson comes back next year.

Also, don't count out the 2023 Colts just yet ...... they would be 6-4 if not for getting robbed in the game against the Browns, and we have what looks to be a solid defense that (when healthy) will keep us in most games.

o

Things were looking promising before AR's injury. If he doesn't go down, the Texans are saying the same thing about having to deal with him.

The comparison is just put on delay right now. All we get to see is Stroud doing well.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


3 Things That the Colts Must Do to get Above .500 Against the Buccaneers in Week 12

(By Vignesh Mulay)

https://horseshoeheroes.com/posts/3-things-colts-must-do-get-above-500-against-buccaneers-week-12-01hfqjr0gmmt




1) l Get the ball out of Gardner Minshew's hands quickly.


2) l Challenge Tampa Bay's secondary early and often.


3) l Contain Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on defense.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


When the Chiefs played the Eagles on a nationally-televised ) Monday Night Football ) game during the Colts' bye-week, I had stated that the only way in which that game would be relevant to the Colts would if the Chiefs lost to the Eagles, it would be their 3rd loss of the season ...... so if the Colts ran the table to finish at 12-5 and the Chiefs lost 2 additional games, the Colts could win the AFC South and perhaps win the tie-breaker against the Chiefs. Since the Colts already beat the Ravens, that scenario could very well give the Colts the #1 seed in the AFC, and a 1st-round bye.

ESPN ) recently made a chart for their AFC playoff projections ...... according to them, the Colts have a 44% chance to make the playoffs, a 3% chance to win the AFC South, and a less-than-1% chance to clinch a 1st-round bye ...... that chart's projections puts my comment in regard to the chances of the Chiefs-Eagles game being relevant to the Colts into perspective.




2023 NFL Playoff Picture: AFC, NFC Seed Projections in Week 13

(ESPN Staff)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38890147/2023-nfl-playoffs-afc-nfc-seed-projections-predictions-super-bowl

o

[DragonTails]

o
...they would be 6-4 if not for getting robbed in the game against the Browns,
o

They'd be 7-4 and the current 5th seed.

This all would be more exciting with AR. Playoffs would still be nice if for nothing else but playoff experience.

[Discflinger]

I don't see a tie happening

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(DECEMBER 4th)



AFC South Coming on Strong in Playoff Push

(By Will Brinson)

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-13-takeaways-afc-south-coming-on-strong-in-playoff-push-afc-east-provides-some-finality/

o

[Puck]

Things are going to be interesting now. Jags may not even make the playoffs with the schedule they have coming up

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Trevor Lawrence Leaves 'MNF' Game vs. Bengals With Ankle Injury

(By Jason Owens)

https://sports.yahoo.com/jaguars-qb-trevor-lawrence-leaves-mnf-game-vs-bengals-with-ankle-injury-035454840.html

o

[albany ed]

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Trevor Lawrence Leaves 'MNF' Game vs. Bengals With Ankle Injury

(By Jason Owens)

https://sports.yahoo.com/jaguars-qb-trevor-lawrence-leaves-mnf-game-vs-bengals-with-ankle-injury-035454840.html

o

This has been a very tough year for QB injuries. Fans are missing out on some of the best QBs in the game.

[Colts And Orioles]

This has been a very tough year for QB injuries. Fans are missing out on some of the best QBs in the game.





o


They are, but that's the way it is in a sport as violent and as fast as is tackle football.

I'm not trying to be insensitive, but that reality will never change, no matter how much they alter the rules to try to make the game safer. Star quarterbacks, star defensive backs, star defensive linemen, etc. all run the risk of having their season end on any given play. The Colts lost a Super Bowl to the Saints in a game which they may have won had Dwight Freeney not severely twisted his ankle in the final minutes of the Colts' win over the Jets in the AFC championship game 2 weeks earlier. When Freeney sustained that injury, the game was well in hand for the Colts ...... Colts fans missed out on one of the best defensive players in the NFL being 100% for the Super Bowl that year, but that's just an unfortunate reality that was part of the game then, and always will be.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Trevor Lawrence Leaves 'MNF' Game vs. Bengals With Ankle Injury

(By Jason Owens)

https://sports.yahoo.com/jaguars-qb-trevor-lawrence-leaves-mnf-game-vs-bengals-with-ankle-injury-035454840.html

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o


Trevor Lawrence Has High Ankle Sprain

(By Michael DiRocco)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39048012/jaguars-say-qb-trevor-lawrence-high-ankle-sprain

o

[Pez]

Jags have the Browns and then the Ravens, two tough games without Trevor Lawrence. I haven't seen any news, but a high ankle sprain is 4-6 weeks usually. The Jags could drop one or both those games.

We should beat the Bengals, our defense is underrated at 25th (per Fox), Bengals are 27th against the run. We should be able to keep them off the field By running the ball.

The Steelers then... Statistics suggest we will lose, but Pickett is out and Mitch Trubisky hasn't played since late last year (he won).

Anyway, the AFC south needs the Jags to lose two, use to win two, and then the Jags might be the new 7th seed.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


When the Chiefs played the Eagles on a nationally-televised ) Monday Night Football ) game during the Colts' bye-week, I had stated that the only way in which that game would be relevant to the Colts would if the Chiefs lost to the Eagles, it would be their 3rd loss of the season ...... so if the Colts ran the table to finish at 12-5 and the Chiefs lost 2 additional games, the Colts could win the AFC South and perhaps win the tie-breaker against the Chiefs. Since the Colts already beat the Ravens, that scenario could very well give the Colts the #1 seed in the AFC, and a 1st-round bye.

ESPN ) recently made a chart for their AFC playoff projections ...... according to them, the Colts have a 44% chance to make the playoffs, a 3% chance to win the AFC South, and a less-than-1% chance to clinch a 1st-round bye ...... that chart's projections puts my comment in regard to the chances of the Chiefs-Eagles game being relevant to the Colts into perspective.



o
o


Indianapolis Colts


Chance to Win Division: ) 10.3%


Remaining Strength of Schedule: ) 27th toughest


Why They Can Win the Division: ) The Colts are at a disadvantage because of their two losses to Jacksonville. But if the Jaguars struggle down the stretch, the Colts come into play based on their 3-2 record in the AFC South, and their Week 18 game against Houston. The Colts' match-ups with back-up quarterbacks in the coming weeks don't hurt, either. ) (Recap by Stephen Holder)



https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39047712/eagles-cowboys-falcons-jaguars-nfl-division-races

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


C.J. Stroud was having a bad day, and he went out of the game in the 4th quarter after banging the back of his head against the turf ...... not a good day for our division rivals.

This was a wasted opportunity for the Colts to put some more space in between themselves and a team that they have already beaten once so far this season.

o

[Dam8610]

o


C.J. Stroud was having a bad day, and he went out of the game in the 4th quarter after banging the back of his head against the turf ...... not a good day for our division rivals.

This was a wasted opportunity for the Colts to put some more space in between themselves and a team that they have already beaten once so far this season.

o

It was a wasted opportunity to tie for the division lead, with the Jaguars likely losing to the Ravens next week.

[Colts And Orioles]

It was a wasted opportunity to tie for the division lead, with the Jaguars likely losing to the Ravens next week.





o


That's what I thought, also ...... winning the division title should be on the Colts' minds more than getting a Wildcard spot ...... I wanted to include the failures of Stroud and the Texans, also.

The Ravens are also losing, and we beat them head-on ...... if the Colts had won today, running the table, winning the division, and getting the tie-breaker over the Ravens would have been a very real possibility ...... but with the loss to the Bengals today, catching the Ravens is now very likely a pipe-dream.

o

[CletusPyle]

o


That's what I thought, also ...... winning the division title should be on the Colts' minds more than getting a Wildcard spot, especially with Trevor Lawrence being out for the season ...... I wanted to include the failures of Stroud and the Texans, also.

The Ravens are also losing, and we beat them head-on ...... if the Colts had won today, running the table, winning the division, and getting the tie-breaker over the Ravens would have been a very real possibility ...... but with the loss to the Bengals today, catching the Ravens is now very likely a pipe-dream.

o

He played today...he is diminished but still able to play.

[Colts And Orioles]

He played today ...... he is diminished but still able to play.





o


Oh, thanks. I'll fix it.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Browns Prevail Behind Joe Flacco’s 3 TD's, Trevor Lawrence’s 3 INT's

(By Bryan DeArdo)

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/browns-vs-jaguars-score-browns-prevail-behind-joe-flaccos-three-touchdowns-trevor-lawrences-three-picks/live/

o

[Hoopsdoc]

So, both the people on Sunday night football and Florio still have the Colts in the 7th playoff spot and the Bengals out with the same records.

How is that accurate? Cincy has the head to head tiebreaker, don’t they? Both are 7-6.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-playoff-picture-2023-updated-afc-and-nfc-standings-clinching-scenarios-for-week-14

[Dewey 5]

So, both the people on Sunday night football and Florio still have the Colts in the 7th playoff spot and the Bengals out with the same records.

How is that accurate? Cincy has the head to head tiebreaker, don’t they? Both are 7-6.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-playoff-picture-2023-updated-afc-and-nfc-standings-clinching-scenarios-for-week-14

1. Ravens: 10-3
2. Dolphins: 9-3
3. Chiefs: 8-5
4. Jaguars: 8-5


5. Browns: 8-5
6. Steelers: 7-6
7. Colts: 7-6

8. Texans: 7-6
9. Broncos: 7-6
10. Bengals: 7-6
11. Bills: 7-6

Indianapolis Colts (7-6), second place, AFC South. The Colts maintained the second wild card despite losing to the Bengals because they hold the next conference tiebreaker after the Steelers. Indianapolis hosts Pittsburgh, the team just ahead of it, next. The Colts remain a game behind the Jaguars in the divison and even with the Texans.

[CletusPyle]

1. Ravens: 10-3
2. Dolphins: 9-3
3. Chiefs: 8-5
4. Jaguars: 8-5


5. Browns: 8-5
6. Steelers: 7-6
7. Colts: 7-6

8. Texans: 7-6
9. Broncos: 7-6
10. Bengals: 7-6
11. Bills: 7-6

Indianapolis Colts (7-6), second place, AFC South. The Colts maintained the second wild card despite losing to the Bengals because they hold the next conference tiebreaker after the Steelers. Indianapolis hosts Pittsburgh, the team just ahead of it, next. The Colts remain a game behind the Jaguars in the divison and even with the Texans.

That last game with the Texans may end up being huge! Colts have the easiest schedule remaining but after the way they played today I'll be shocked if they can finish!

[Hoopsdoc]

1. Ravens: 10-3
2. Dolphins: 9-3
3. Chiefs: 8-5
4. Jaguars: 8-5


5. Browns: 8-5
6. Steelers: 7-6
7. Colts: 7-6

8. Texans: 7-6
9. Broncos: 7-6
10. Bengals: 7-6
11. Bills: 7-6

Indianapolis Colts (7-6), second place, AFC South. The Colts maintained the second wild card despite losing to the Bengals because they hold the next conference tiebreaker after the Steelers. Indianapolis hosts Pittsburgh, the team just ahead of it, next. The Colts remain a game behind the Jaguars in the divison and even with the Texans.

But I thought head to head was the first tie breaker and conference record was after that? Has it always been this way?

[Colts And Orioles]

But I thought head to head was the first tie breaker and conference record was after that? Has it always been this way ???





o


If there is a direct tie between 2 teams, yes ...... but if there is a tie of 3-or-more teams, not necessarily. That's because there are other teams involved, and other head-to-head play involved.

The Bengals beat the Colts ...... but the Colts beat the Texans ...... and the Texans beat the Bengals ....... and that is just the start of the complex conversation of why the teams are currently in the place in which they are.

Right now, there is a 6-way tie in the AFC between the Colts, the Steelers, the Bengals, the Texans, the Broncos, and the Bills ...... all of whom have records of 7-6, and none of whom are in 1st-place in their division.

o

[Dewey 5]

Bottom line is the Steelers game is a must win.

[HoosierinFL]

Bottom line is the Steelers game is a must win.

on top of that, the jags face the ravens, and that's a game they could lose. The texans have play the titans on the road, and they could lose that too.

[Colts And Orioles]

The bottom line is that the Steelers game is a must-win.





o


The Bengals game was also a must-win ...... by losing that game, the Colts have essentially buried their chances of getting a #1 or a #2 seed (a #2 seed would have been a very real possibility if the Colts had run the table to finish at 12-5, due to their win over the Ravens.)

Now, a number #1 or a #2 seed is now pretty much out of the question, but an AFC South division title is still very much a possibility ) ...... l IF l the Colts run the table, and finish at 11-6.

If the Colts lose one more game (either to the Steelers or to any of their 4 remaining opponents), then a division title will very pretty much be out of the question, and a Wildcard will be their last gasp at a playoff berth ...... albeit a lousy-seeded playoff berth.

o

[CletusPyle]

Looks like we get Trubisky Saturday...if he plays like he did last game, I like our chances!

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Perhaps we can take heart in what the Denver Broncos have done this season.

The Broncos started the season at 1-5, which included a 70-14 massacre at the hands of the Miami Dolphins ...... since then they have won 6 out of their last 7 games, including a win over the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, and are currently sitting only 1 game behind them for 1st place in the AFC West.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Perhaps we can take heart in what the Denver Broncos have done this season.

The Broncos started the season at 1-5, ) which included a 70-14 massacre at the hands of the Miami Dolphins ) ...... since then they have won 6 out of their last 7 games, including a win over the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, and are currently sitting only 1 game behind them for 1st place in the AFC West.

o
o


First and foremost, I obviously want our beloved Colts to win the AFC East division title, and then to march right on through to a Super Bowl appearance ...... but in the event of that not happening, wouldn't it be something if the Broncos played those same Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship game in January ??? Talk about your ultimate revenge opportunity. ) :eek:

o

[ChaosTheory]

o


Perhaps we can take heart in what the Denver Broncos have done this season.

The Broncos started the season at 1-5, which included a 70-14 massacre at the hands of the Miami Dolphins ...... since then they have won 6 out of their last 7 games, including a win over the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, and are currently sitting only 1 game behind them for 1st place in the AFC West.

o

Are they taking a page out of our '18 or '21 playbook? Both started the same... one ended a lot better.

[Ironshaft]

o


First and foremost, I obviously want our beloved Colts to win the AFC East division title, and then to march right on through to a Super Bowl appearance ...... but in the event of that not happening, wouldn't it be something if the Broncos played those same Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship game in January ??? Talk about your ultimate revenge opportunity. ) :eek:

o
That would be a feat, indeed, for the Colts to win the East this year! :)

[Colts And Orioles]

o


First and foremost, I obviously want our beloved Colts to win the AFC East division title, and then to march right on through to a Super Bowl appearance ...... but in the event of that not happening, wouldn't it be something if the Broncos played those same Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship game in January??? Talk about your ultimate revenge opportunity. ) :eek:

o






Winning the AFC South would be a feat, indeed, for the Colts to win the East this year !!! ) :)






o


With the loss of Anthony Richardson, the inconsistent play of Gardner Minshew, and the frustrations that we as Colts fans all endure while intently viewing their games every week (and subsequently living and dying on almost each and every series of downs), winning the AFC South division doesn't seem possible ...... but if we take a step back from our royal blue-shaded sunglasses, we can see that there are many reasons why the Colts are sitting at a respectable 7-6 overall record ...... it just doesn't seem that way because we are all so emotionally involved and invested in the outcome of each and every game that the team plays that we tend to lose sight of any kind of objectivity.

It is similar to getting hosed by the referees on bad calls. I am the first to point out that the Colts got robbed of a win against the Browns, because the horrible calls at the end of that game were in the waning seconds of the 4th quarter, and there was no time for the Colts to regroup and compensate for those horrible calls. The Colts got a turnover, and 1 or 2 kneel-downs by our QB would have (and should have) ended that game ...... BUT OVERALL, bad calls are a part of the game, and they go both ways. It seems like the referees are always against the Colts, and always screwing them ...... but that's not necessarily true ...... it just seems that way because of the fact that we are so passionate about our beloved Colts that we tend to forget that the referees also make bad and/or questionable calls in our favor.

o

[CletusPyle]

Concerning the AFC South, Will Levis was pretty impressive Monday night, I can easily see the AFC South becoming the strongest division in the NFL after years of being one of the weakest!

[Dam8610]

Concerning the AFC South, Will Levis was pretty impressive Monday night, I can easily see the AFC South becoming the strongest division in the NFL after years of being one of the weakest!

Wentz Levis had a good game against the Dolphins? Interesting.

[Mr. Session]

Concerning the AFC South, Will Levis was pretty impressive Monday night, I can easily see the AFC South becoming the strongest division in the NFL after years of being one of the weakest!

He plays hard.

Obviously fuck the kid because he plays for Tennessee, but I respect his attitude.

Everyone wanted to laugh at him on draft day.

[CletusPyle]

Wentz Levis had a good game against the Dolphins? Interesting.

https://images2.imgbox.com/8e/b3/v87wiS9T_o.jpg

:D

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Taylor Heinicke Leads Falcons to Impressive Win Over Colts

(By D. Orlando Ledbetter)

https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/heinicke-leads-falcons-to-impressive-win-over-colts/VSKYIJJFUNCOFOPYS55CQR73I4/

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[Colts And Orioles]

o


(DECEMBER 26th)


Prior to their loss to the Falcons, the Colts had gone 5-1 over their previous 6 games, which was the best record in the NFL for that 6-game span.



SOURCE: ) Stephen Holder, ESPN Sportswriter

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Before we count out our beloved Colts, the Los Angeles Rams are another team that has turned what appeared to be a 2nd consecutive losing season into something that is now more than salvageable ...... they started out at 3-6, but are now are the hottest team in the NFC ...... they have gone 5-1 over their last 6 games, with their lone blemish in that span being an overtime loss to the 12-3 Ravens.



http://www.coltfreaks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=288128#post288128

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


If the Colts win their last 2 games, they will be in the playoffs ...... regardless of what else happens around the AFC.



Shane Steichen Delivers Message to Colts: 'We Control Our Own Destiny'

(By Andrew Moore)

https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/steichen-steichen-colts-strong-message-control-destiny

o

[Racehorse]

o


If the Colts win their last 2 games, they will be in the playoffs ...... regardless of what else happens around the AFC.



Shane Steichen Delivers Message to Colts: 'We Control Our Own Destiny'

(By Andrew Moore)

https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/steichen-steichen-colts-strong-message-control-destiny

o
We have seen this movie before, except for one of the major players has been replaced. I hope the ending is better this time.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


If the Colts win their last 2 games, they will be in the playoffs ...... regardless of what else happens around the AFC.



Shane Steichen Delivers Message to Colts: 'We Control Our Own Destiny'

(By Andrew Moore)

https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/steichen-steichen-colts-strong-message-control-destiny

o






We have seen this movie before, except for the fact that one of the major players has been replaced. ) I hope that the ending is better this time.





o


https://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/2021-ind

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[Colts And Orioles]

o


The AFC South Is Surprisingly Deadlocked in a 4-Way Tie for 1st Place, at 2-2

(By Wendi Oliveros)

https://thesportsdaily.com/news/the-afc-south-is-surprisingly-deadlocked-in-a-4-way-tie-for-1st-place-at-2-2/

o
o


(3 MONTHS LATER)


3 out of the 4 teams in the AFC South will finish the 2023 season with winning records.



(9-7)


THE COLTS

THE JAGUARS

THE TEXANS

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Houston Texans (9-7) at Indianapolis Colts (9-7)


8:15 p.m. ET, Saturday | ESPN | Spread: HOU -1.5 (47.5)



Storyline to watch: ) The stakes in this year's game between these 2 teams could not be more different from those in last season's finale. The No. 1 overall pick in the draft was on the line in Week 18 in the 2022 season, with the Colts losing and knocking Houston into the No. 2 choice. This season, the winner of this game goes to the playoffs and wildly accelerates its rebuilding effort ahead of 2024. - - - Stephen Holder


Bold Prediction: ) The Texans will win by more than 10 points, as quarterback C.J. Stroud will throw for more than 350 yards. The Texans are a completely different team than the one that faced the Colts in Week 2, and in that matchup Stroud threw for 384 yards. The Colts lean on running the ball, and the Texans have the third-best run defense in the NFL. Once they stop the run, the Texans will run away with it. - - - DJ Bien-Aime


Stat to Know: ) The Colts allow the 3rd-highest completion percentage on throws of 20-plus yards downfield (46%.) Stroud has the 2nd-highest QBR (99), the 3rd-highest completion percentage (57.1%), 5 passing touchdowns, and 0 interceptions on such throws.


Matchup X Factor: ) Texans edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr ...... he's making a late Defensive Rookie of the Year push with 2.0 sacks last week. He has a 26% pass-rush win rate, which ranks 3rd among all edge rushers. - - - Walder


What's at Stake: ) The winner of this season-finale will make the playoffs. And if the Jaguars lose on Sunday, the winner would also clinch the AFC South division title ...... but the loser of this game will be eliminated from the postseason.


Betting Nugget: ) The Colts are 5-1 ATS as favorites this season. The Texans are 4-1 ATS as road underdogs this season, with 4 straight covers.


*************************************


Moody's Pick: ) Texans 31, Colts 23


Walder's Pick: ) Texans 30, Colts 16


FPI Prediction: ) INDIANAPOLIS, 51.6% (By an Average of 0.6 Points)


https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nflviewguide010524/nfl-week-18-picks-schedule-fantasy-football-odds-injuries-stats-2023-season

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[Spike]

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Houston Texans (9-7) at Indianapolis Colts (9-7)


8:15 p.m. ET, Saturday | ESPN | Spread: HOU -1.5 (47.5)



Storyline to watch: ) The stakes in this year's game between these 2 teams could not be more different from those in last season's finale. The No. 1 overall pick in the draft was on the line in Week 18 in the 2022 season, with the Colts losing and knocking Houston into the No. 2 choice. This season, the winner of this game goes to the playoffs and wildly accelerates its rebuilding effort ahead of 2024. - - - Stephen Holder


Bold Prediction: ) The Texans will win by more than 10 points, as quarterback C.J. Stroud will throw for more than 350 yards. The Texans are a completely different team than the one that faced the Colts in Week 2, and in that matchup Stroud threw for 384 yards. The Colts lean on running the ball, and the Texans have the third-best run defense in the NFL. Once they stop the run, the Texans will run away with it. - - - DJ Bien-Aime


Stat to Know: ) The Colts allow the 3rd-highest completion percentage on throws of 20-plus yards downfield (46%.) Stroud has the 2nd-highest QBR (99), the 3rd-highest completion percentage (57.1%), 5 passing touchdowns, and 0 interceptions on such throws.


Matchup X Factor: ) Texans edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr ...... he's making a late Defensive Rookie of the Year push with 2.0 sacks last week. He has a 26% pass-rush win rate, which ranks 3rd among all edge rushers. - - - Walder


What's at Stake: ) The winner of this season-finale will make the playoffs. And if the Jaguars lose on Sunday, the winner would also clinch the AFC South division title ...... but the loser of this game will be eliminated from the postseason.


Betting Nugget: ) The Colts are 5-1 ATS as favorites this season. The Texans are 4-1 ATS as road underdogs this season, with 4 straight covers.


*************************************


Moody's Pick: ) Texans 31, Colts 23


Walder's Pick: ) Texans 30, Colts 16


FPI Prediction: ) INDIANAPOLIS, 51.6% (By an Average of 0.6 Points)


https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nflviewguide010524/nfl-week-18-picks-schedule-fantasy-football-odds-injuries-stats-2023-season

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It would have been great to see AR vs. Stroud in this finale. Damn it!