Colts may have to Defeat Denver

[Casey D]

If Buffalo wins Sunday, and the Jets lose, Buffalo will be in the playoffs by 4 PM on Sunday. At that point, if Denver beats the Colts, they will be the 5 seed, Buffalo 6 and going to Indy. On the other hand, if the Colts were to defeat Denver, Buffalo would be the 5 seed and go to SD, and the Colts will get the Jets.

 

So in planning for this week's games--even assuming that the Colts may try and "pick" their playoff opponent--they won't know what to do(win or lose), assuming they want to avoid the Bills as is being speculated. So unless they are glued to the TV sets gaming this out right before they take the field in Denver--which I doubt--then the "tank the game" strategy could well backfire if it is intended to draw a weaker opponent than Buffalo ...CD

[jpp7558]

If Buffalo wins Sunday, and the Jets lose, Buffalo will be in the playoffs by 4 PM on Sunday.  At that point, if Denver beats the Colts, they will be the 5 seed, Buffalo 6 and going to Indy.  On the other hand, if the Colts were to defeat Denver, Buffalo would be the 5 seed and go to SD, and the Colts will get the Jets.

 

So in planning for this week's games--even assuming that the Colts may try and "pick" their playoff opponent--they won't know what to do(win or lose), assuming they want to avoid the Bills as is being speculated.  So unless they are glued to the TV sets gaming this out right before they take the field in Denver--which I doubt--then the "tank the game" strategy could well backfire if it is intended to draw a weaker opponent than Buffalo ...CD

180274[/snapback]

Also, if both the Bills and Jets win Sunday, it would present Indy with the dilemma of possibly playing Denver the following week in a wildcard game. Obviously, the Broncos are going all out to make the playoffs, but how much do the Colts want to show them offensively in this game (in addition to risking injury to starters). But, of all the possible wildcard game opponents, the Jets seem like the most desireable to play, so beat Denver and get the Jets. Let's hope that the Rams can beat Philly tonight and have something to play for next Sunday against NY and eliminate the need to depend on Indy. Most of all, GO BILLS!!!! BEAT THE STEELERS!!!!

[BillnutinHouston]

God, I love the fact that we have to care enough to analyze this stuff. What a special team this is. Regardless of what happens Sunday, this team is looking like it's on the rise for next year.