Can the Indianapolis Colts win the AFC South? Most people would answer that by saying, “Yeah right” and What a dumb question.” And those reactions make sense. The 7-5 Houston Texans are expected to win the division for the second consecutive year. They’re undoubtedly the most talented team in the AFC South, led by star quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The 5-7 Colts, who are second place in the division behind Houston, don’t have the world’s most impressive record. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for them to win the AFC South. A lot of unexpected things can happen with five games remaining in the regular season.
Will the Indianapolis Colts Do the “Impossible” and Win the AFC South?
The Texans Have a Super-Rough Schedule
Houston began the season with a great 6-2 record. However, they’ve lost three of their last four games. Stroud has thrown five interceptions in his past three contests, giving him nine this season after he had just five in 15 games as a rookie last year. In the Texans’ most recent game, they somehow lost at home to the 3-8 Tennessee Titans.
The Texans have a brutal remaining schedule, which is good news for Colts fans. Houston’s last five games will be against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Titans.
The Jaguars should be a winnable game. They’ve already lost to the Titans and it could happen again. Although the Dolphins are only 5-7, you can’t bet against them. Kansas City, of course, has won the last two Super Bowls and might win another one this season. Plus, two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are a Super Bowl contender as well. It will be a tough end of the regular season for Stroud and Co. That’s for sure.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis Has a Favorable Schedule
In their most recent contest, the Colts lost at home 24-6 to the Detroit Lions. Indy struggled mightily with penalties and red zone offense. But even if they had played much better, they probably still would’ve lost. Detroit, who currently has a 10-1 record, is arguably the best team in the NFL. It wouldn’t surprise many people if they won the Super Bowl this season.
Luckily for the Colts, they won’t have to play a team that’s anywhere close to the caliber of the Lions for the rest of the regular season. They have a favorable schedule, unlike their AFC South Rival Texans.
Indianapolis will close out the season, facing the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Titans, New York Giants, and Jaguars. Again, none of those teams are anywhere as great as the Lions. Only the 7-5 Broncos currently own a winning record.
There’s a possibility that the Colts could go 4-1, perhaps losing on the road in Denver. If that happens and the Texans go 1-4, Indianapolis will do the “impossible” and win the AFC South. The Colts haven’t won the division since 2014. Will they shock the world and get the job done this season? Sorry, but it’s just not going to happen. Their offense is too inconsistent and the Texans are just too good to fold and not win the division. The Colts could still find a way to make the playoffs as a Wild Card team, though.
Main Photo:[Junfu Han] – USA Today Sports
