The Colts continued their 2024 season on the road on Sunday against an old AFC rival in the New England Patriots. The Patriots were 3-9 on the year, coming off a thumping week 12 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Colts went into week 13 without wide receiver Josh Downs and right tackle Braden Smith but saw the return of left tackle Bernhard Raimann after he had missed several weeks with a knee injury.
The Colts now sit at 6-7, currently second in the AFC South and 2 wins back from the leaders the Houston Texans. The Colts moved one game closer to being .500 for the year and stay in the thick of a potential playoff chance. The national media have moved the Colts up in the power rankings board after their win against the Patriots. Here is how the Colts stack up in the week 14 power rankings.
ESPN has the Colts ranked at 18.
“Cross is likely a long shot, but he is having a surprisingly strong season. After losing his starting role as a rookie in 2022, Cross has been a consistent playmaker on all three levels of the Colts’ defense. He has been a tackling menace while playing mostly near the line of scrimmage (second in the NFL with 116 stops). He also has recorded three passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble. The 2022 third-round pick is finally showing himself worthy of the high expectations once placed on him by the team.”
NFL.com has the Colts ranked at 17.
“It took 19 plays and more than five minutes of game clock, but Anthony Richardson delivered again with a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. This one surpassed his effort against the Jets, leading the Colts back from down seven points late at New England to hit Alec Pierce for a touchdown pass with 12 seconds left. The two-point run by Richardson put the Colts back ahead for good. AR’s still a 50 percent passer, and he threw two interceptions in the game, including one midway through the fourth quarterthat could have buried the Colts. But Indy’s defense held firm after the two turnovers and got a key goal-line interception of Drake Maye to help set up the game-winning drive Sunday. Richardson might miss some throws, but he truly is dangerous, thanks to his scrambling ability and big-game mentality as a passer. Will it be enough to drag the Colts into the playoffs? Win next week’s game at Denver, and then we’ll talk.”
CBS Sports has the Colts ranked at 16.
“Winning at New England keeps them alive in the playoff chase. Anthony Richardson is getting better — which is a good thing.”
Bleacher Report has the Colts ranked at 20.
“Shane Steichen’s decision to go for the win after quarterback Anthony Richardson threw a touchdown pass to Alec Pierce on Sunday was one of those “genius or idiot” calls. If it works, you’re a genius. If it fails, you’re an idiot. After Richardson made the game-winning run to get the victory, Steichen told reporters that he knew in the moment he was making the right decision.
“It was one of those deals inside 30 seconds,” he said. “I felt good about the [play]call. Obviously, [you’ve] got to feel good about the call, but you go for the win right there in that situation. If there was a lot more time, maybe or two minutes or something, maybe take the [extra point].” Richardson’s numbers weren’t great—he completed 12 of 24 passes and threw two picks. But he also threw a pair of touchdown passes in Indy’s comeback win. Veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin told reporters that he’s seen a lot of growth from Richardson since his benching earlier in the season. “He’s a competitor,” Franklin said. “He’s a leader. And I think when you’ve got a guy like that at the quarterback position, I think you’ve got a chance. So, thankfully, he’s on our side.”
Anthony Richardson received Shane Steichen’s message loud and clear. His benching for Joe Flacco was never about giving Indianapolis the best chance to win. Richardson needed to realize that more is expected of quarterbacks at the professional level. The second-year signal-caller has responded by helping lead his squad to a pair of wins in the three games since he returned to the lineup. Richardson has been particularly good with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter.”
Pro Football has the Colts ranked at 19.
“Things were not all that pretty for the Indianapolis Colts this week, but their win over the New England Patriots was crucial. Heading into the bye, they are guaranteed to still be ahead of the Dolphins, whom they beat earlier in the season. They also kept themselves within two games of the Broncos, whom they face in Week 15.
Nothing about this team has been convincing, but Anthony Richardson is the ultimate X-factor. As a whole, this team is not one where the metrics support them making the playoffs. However, their remaining schedule ranks as the fourth-easiest, with games against the Titans, New York Giants, and Jaguars in the final three weeks. Indianapolis gives itself a chance at both the division and a Wild Card spot with a 4-0 finish.”
