The Colts continued their 2024 season on the road on Sunday against an AFC foe in the Denver Broncos The Broncos were 8-5 on the year, coming off a thumping week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns. The Colts went into week 15 without right tackle Braden Smith and center Ryan Kelly but saw the return of wide receiver Josh Downs.
The Colts now sit at 6-8, currently second in the AFC South and 3 wins back from the leaders the Houston Texans. The Texans were crowned AFC South Champions after their win and the Colts loss. The Colts all but eliminated their chances of potential playoff chance, albeit there is a slim chance they still can make the postseason. The national media have moved the Colts down in the power rankings board after their loss against the Broncos. Here is how the Colts stack up in the week 16 power rankings.
ESPN has the Colts ranked at 22.
“Kicker Matt Gay had a rough preseason, converting just one of four field goal attempts. The concern spilled over into the regular season when he converted three of his first five attempts (60%) through four weeks. But he has picked things up considerably, giving the Colts a reliable option when drives stall (which has happened too often). Since Week 5, Gay has nailed 21 of 22 field goal attempts (95.5%). More specifically, he is 8-of-9 on attempts of 40 yards or longer and is perfect on 16 extra-point attempts.”
NFL.com has the Colts ranked at 22.
“Since moving to 4-3 with a Week 7 victory over Miami, the Colts have won last-minute nail-biters over the Jets and Patriots while losing five games by a combined 57 points. Sunday was a pick-your-poison defeat. Indianapolis came out of halftime with a 13-7 lead and immediately forced a Denver turnover less than two minutes into the second half. Incredibly thereafter, the Colts had three lost fumbles (one a lateral run back for a TD), two turnovers on downs and an interception — and they punted three times for good measure. The Jonathan Taylor fumble — on what should have been a 41-yard touchdown run — was inexcusable. But we’re also running out of justification for Anthony Richardson’s struggles. He threw two interceptions for a second straight game and completed just 17 of his 38 passes against Denver. Richardson has finished above 50 percent completions in just one game that he has started and finished this season. That’s why the Colts are in bad shape for the playoffs, having missed a golden opportunity Sunday.”
CBS Sports has the Colts ranked at 17.
“The Jonathan Taylor mistake of dropping the ball as he went into the end zone could end up costing them a chance to make the playoffs. What a horrible play that turned a victory into a loss against the Broncos.”
Bleacher Report has the Colts ranked at 21.
“It’s a play that will be replayed on television for a long time—much to the chagrin of Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Granted, Taylor dropping the ball just before crossing the goal line wasn’t the only reason that Indianapolis lost on Sunday, as Indy turned the ball over five times. But the gaffe summed up the 2024 Colts—for every flash of talent, there has been a game-changing mistake.
While talking to reporters post-game, head coach Shane Steichen said that despite the mistake, the team stands behind its star tailback. “That was a game changer, yeah, absolutely,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “Obviously, it hurt us, but he’s one of our leaders. Sometimes that happens in football, but he’s our guy, and that’s what you say to him.”
For his part, Taylor was just mortified “That can’t happen,” said Taylor. “No, you’re never consciously aware you’re dropping the ball. Otherwise, you wouldn’t do it.”
Jonathan Taylor’s “fumble” on what could have been a game-changing score during Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Indianapolis held a strong lead for the majority of the game. Momentum jerked more abruptly than a new driver learning how to use a stick shift when Taylor forgot to bring the ball with him as he ran into the end zone. The story remains the same throughout the season: Quarterback Anthony Richardson must play better, but he needs more help from those around him. Taylor fumbling away the team’s playoff hopes serves as a microcosm for the entire campaign.”
Pro Football Network has the Colts ranked at 21.
“Entering this week, the only way that the Texans could clinch the AFC South was with a win over the Dolphins and a Colts loss to the Broncos. Unfortunately for Indy, that’s exactly what happened on Sunday.
PFN’s model hasn’t been high on Indianapolis this season, as the metrics don’t support the Colts making the playoffs. However, Indy has the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule, with games against the Titans, Giants, and Jaguars in the final three weeks, which is the main reason their postseason hopes are still alive. While the dream of winning the division is dead, Indianapolis still has a 27.7% chance of making the playoffs as a Wild Card team.”
