The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, a win that could potentially impact the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chances.
With the Chiefs’ victory on Wednesday, Kansas City secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which means there is nothing for them to play for in Week 18 when they take on the Denver Broncos.
So, what does that have to do with the Colts?
Well, when it comes to the Colts’–albeit–slim playoff chances, one of the scenarios that still gets Indianapolis to the postseason is if they win their final two games, the Broncos lose their final two games, and either Cincinnati or Miami wins their final two games.
This would then create a three-way tie at 9-8, and the Colts would win that tie-breaker with the better conference record, thus securing the AFC’s seventh-seed in the process.
However, now there is the potential that if the Colts win on Sunday against the New York Giants and the Broncos lose their Week 17 game to the Bengals, that Indianapolis would need a Week 18 loss from the Broncos, who could be up the Chiefs’ backups as they rest their starters for the playoffs.
An added wrinkle of irony to all of this is that the Chiefs’ backup quarterback is Carson Wentz.
With the Chiefs securing a first-round playoff bye, perhaps they opt to play their starters for some of the Week 18 game, but my guess is that Patrick Mahomes and Company won’t be out there for all four quarters.
The other scenario that would get the Colts to the playoffs is if they win out and the LA Chargers lose their final two games against New England and Las Vegas.
Step one, of course, before we worry about the described scenario, is that the Colts have to win on Sunday and the Broncos have to lose.
