The Colts signed Shane Steichen to replace Frank Reich during the offseason, then selected Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to start what was supposed to be a rebuild.
It appears the first-time head coach has the Colts ahead of schedule.
Indianapolis entered the final week of the 2023 NFL season prepared to potentially make the postseason. The 9-7 team has found success as a well-balanced team led by backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, who replaced Richardson after the primary signal-caller suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5.
The Colts last made the playoffs in 2020, but haven’t won a game since 2018, when Andrew Luck led the team to a 21-7 victory over the Texans.
What will it take for the Colts to make the postseason? Here’s what you need to know about the Colts’ playoff picture entering Week 18.
LIVE: Updated NFL standings, decisive scenarios for Week 18
Colts playoff image
The Colts had a simple path to reach the 2024 playoffs: beat the Texans in Week 18 to clinch at least a wild card spot.
But Indianapolis came up empty, falling to the Texans 23-19 after an incomplete pass on fourth-and-1 ended their potential drive.
POWER RANKINGS: Cowboys, Browns, Steelers rise as Dolphins, Eagles and Seahawks fall for Week 18
How the Colts can win the AFC South
The Colts could have won the AFC South with a win over the Texans and a loss to the Jaguars. But Indianapolis’ loss cost them not only a chance to make the postseason, but also a chance to get into the AFC South.
