Predicting how the rest of the 8-3 Colts’ schedule will play out following their Week 12 loss vs. the Chiefs

The Colts are now 8-3 after suffering a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Chiefs in Week 12, and the schedule doesn’t get easier from here on out.

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Colts QB Daniel Jones
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The Indianapolis Colts are 8-3 heading into Week 13 and have outplayed everyone’s expectations for them. At this point, though, if they don’t finish the year as the AFC South champions, the season will feel like an utter failure.

They are coming off a loss in Week 12 to the Kansas City Chiefs, and the schedule doesn’t get easier. With everyone predicting a late-season collapse, I reviewed the schedule and offer my official prediction for how the final six games of the year will unfold. 

Predicting the results of the Colts’ final six games

Week 13: Vs. Houston Texans Win (9-3)

Week 14: @ Jacksonville Jaguars Win (10-3)

Week 15: @ Seattle Seahawks Loss (10-4)

The Colts get to face off with one of the top teams in the NFC in Week 15, as they hit the road to play the Seattle Seahawks.

This will be a battle of former teammates, as Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, who were both on the Minnesota Vikings last year, face off. Darnold experienced a career resurgence under Kevin O’Connell, and Jones sat and learned after being cut by the New York Giants. 

This will also be a battle of the top candidates for the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award between Jonathan Taylor and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. These teams are similar in terms of overall talent, and the result could go either way. I’ll give the Seahawks the edge due to their outstanding defense, and since they’re the home team in this one. 

Week 16 Monday Night Football: Vs. San Francisco 49ers Win (11-4)

The Colts were assigned one primetime game ahead of the season, and thankfully, it’s at home. The Colts will host the San Francisco 49ers for “Monday Night Football” in Week 16. Jones hasn’t always played his best football when the lights are brightest, so this will be a big chance for him and the team to show the NFL they are a legitimate contender. 

The 49ers have been incredibly resilient this season, and are somehow 8-4 despite numerous injuries. Christian McCaffery and George Kittle will be tough matchups for the Colts’ defense. Ultimately, the Colts offense will move the ball well against a beat-up 49ers defense. I have the Colts winning at home. 

Week 17: Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Win (12-4)

This is probably my boldest prediction in this article, but I think the Colts will sweep the Jaguars this season. The Jaguars are an inconsistent team, and Trevor Lawrence’s play has been erratic. The Colts’ new look secondary will give him fits, and Lou Anarumo will send a lot of different looks his way. 

Lawrence has had a lot of success against Colts defenses in the past, but this isn’t that defense. The Colts haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014, so Week 14 will be a big one for sure. But I feel terrific about how the Colts match up with the Jaguars, and if they can complete the season sweep, it would be significant for their chances of winning the AFC South. 

Week 18: @ Houston Texans Loss (12-5)

The Houston Texans had a rough start to the year, but in my opinion, they are the Colts’ top competition in the AFC South. They have a top-three defense in football and have probably the best pass-rush duo in the league in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. 

I have the Colts splitting the season series, as I think the Texans’ defense will give the Colts trouble. I went ahead and gave each the win during their home game in the series. I think Week  13 against the Texans is the most important game left on the Colts’ schedule. The phrase “must win” is thrown around very loosely nowadays, but I think this one is, in fact, a must-win. 

Prediction: 12-5 AFC South Champions

I have the Colts going 4-2 over their final six games and finishing 12-5. Twelve wins seem like the magic number to ensure the Colts win the AFC South. Reaching 11 could set up a tie with the Jaguars or Texans, considering their remaining schedules. This likely wouldn’t be enough for the top seed in the AFC, but hosting a playoff game would be a big win for the Colts. 

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