New England Patriots: Eye on the Competition: the AFC Contenders in Week 14
By Hal Bent
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS:
Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Hard to believe that the Colts were the Super Bowl favorites in the AFC prior to the season (them and the Ravens) and now they are playing for their playoff lives next Sunday against Houston. Sure, Houston has no offense but the Colts have struggled with Andrew Luck injured much of the season and now backup Matt Hasselbeck is dinged up. Will the Colts have to turn to the Football Jesus, Charlie Whitehurst with their season on the line?
Good injury news: Devin McCourty has sprained ankle, should be fine
The Colts had played the Patriots well earlier in the season and took the Panthers to overtime. They upset the Broncos and feasted on the NFC South lightweights to get back over .500 at 6-5. However, the past two weeks have seen the Colts give up 45 points to the Steelers and then the Jaguars topped 50 points on Sunday.
HOW IT IMPACTS THE PATRIOTS:
The Colts or Houston (or Jacksonville, as they are still technically still alive) could end up hosting a playoff game in the Wild Card weekend and end up coming to New England. The Colts play Miami and Tennessee to end the season and still have a chance to make some noise. Would anyone be surprised if the Colts sneak into the playoffs at 8-8 and Andrew Luck gets back on the field to win at home and take a trip to Foxboro?
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