by Kevin Hickey
The Indianapolis Colts find themselves firmly in the mix of the AFC playoff picture entering Week 13 as they’ve enjoyed a three-game winning streak.
They were able to take care of business at home in Week 12, securing a 27-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7). This marked just the second time this season the Colts earned a home win.
Now, it’s time to take a look at the updated AFC playoff picture entering Week 13:
The Big Picture
- The Baltimore Ravens stand alone at the top of the standings with a one-game lead over the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to grind out low-scoring victories. They’re the only current playoff team with a negative point differential.
- The Denver Broncos have won their last five games, which is the longest streak active by a team in the AFC. The Chiefs hold the longest streak of the season with six games.
- Meanwhile, there are six teams within two games of each other for the final three spots in the standings entering Week 13.
This Week’s Talking Point
The Colts got some tough news this week as running back Jonathan Taylor needs thumb surgery, forcing him to potentially miss up to the next month of games. He was coming off one of his best games of the season when he took 15 carries for 91 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against the Buccaneers.
Now, the Colts will head to Nashville for a divisional matchup with the Tennessee Titans (4-7) with Zack Moss leading the backfield. He set career-high marks in rushing yards (165) and total yards (195) while also adding two touchdowns against the Titans in the 23-16 victory in Week 5.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)
4. Miami Dolphins (8-3)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)
6. Cleveland Browns (7-4)
7. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)
In the hunt
8. Houston Texans (6-5)
9. Denver Broncos (6-5)
10. Buffalo Bills (6-6)
11. Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)
12. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
Remaining Schedule
2023 Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Result | |
| 1 | Sunday, Sept. 10 | vs | Jaguars | 1:00 p.m. | L, 31-21 |
| 2 | Sunday, Sept. 17 | at | Texans | 1:00 p.m. | W, 31-20 |
| 3 | Sunday, Sept. 24 | at | Ravens | 1:00 p.m. | W, 22-19 |
| 4 | Sunday, Oct. 1 | vs | Rams | 1:00 p.m. | L, 29-23 |
| 5 | Sunday, Oct. 8 | vs | Titans | 1:00 p.m. | W, 23-16 |
| 6 | Sunday, Oct. 15 | at | Jaguars | 1:00 p.m. | L, 37-20 |
| 7 | Sunday, Oct. 22 | vs | Browns | 1:00 p.m. | L, 39-38 |
| 8 | Sunday, Oct. 29 | vs | Saints | 1:00 p.m. | L, 38-27 |
| 9 | Sunday, Nov. 5 | at | Panthers | 4:05 p.m. | W, 27-13 |
| 10 | Sunday, Nov. 12 | at | Patriots (Germany) | 9:30 a.m. | W, 10-6 |
| 11 | Sunday, Nov. 19 | BYE | BYE | BYE | |
| 12 | Sunday, Nov. 26 | vs | Buccaneers | 1:00 p.m. | W, 27-20 |
| 13 | Sunday, Dec. 3 | at | Titans | 1:00 p.m. | |
| 14 | Sunday, Dec. 10 | at | Bengals | 1:00 p.m. | |
| 15 | TBD | vs | Steelers | TBD | |
| 16 | Sunday, Dec. 24 | at | Falcons | 1:00 p.m. | |
| 17 | Sunday, Dec. 31 | vs | Raiders | 1:00 p.m. | |
| 18 | TBD | vs | Texans | TBD |
Notes
- Five of the final six games remaining come against AFC opponents.
- The winning percentage of the remaining opponents combined is 32-35 (.478).
- Of their final six games, only the Steelers (7-4) and Texans (6-5) have winning records. The Atlanta Falcons (5-6) are the only other potential playoff team as they lead the NFC South division.
- The next two weeks are pivotal for the Colts’ chances to secure one of the wild-card spots considering they lost both divisional games to the Jaguars this season.
Originally posted on coltswire.usatoday.com