The Colts are facing the tough part of their schedule and need to win

As we approach the midway point of the 2024 season, the Colts are 4-3 heading into Week 7. Most of the fan base doesn’t seem to be happy with the overall performance of this team. However, the team is over .500 and if Anthony Richardson can get his accuracy issues under control, this team could actually rack up more wins. The schedule doesn’t get any easier in the next 5 weeks.

The schedule is getting more difficult

The Colts travel to Houston (5-2) this weekend and the next four weeks will be the most difficult part of the season for them. After Houston, they travel to Minnesota (5-1) this weekend for a flexible primetime game. They then return home to face Buffalo (5-2). They return to prime time in Week 11, traveling to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets (2-5). Finally, they return home to close out November and take on the perennial Super Bowl contender in Detroit (5-1).

Over the next five weeks, the combined record of these teams is 22-11. All five of these teams can beat Indianapolis. Yes, even the Jets. While their record doesn’t show it, every time you bring in a new skill position player and a new coach, something is going to change. It’s their most playable game, but they need to find a way to win at least two of these games. That would put them at 6-6 by the end of November, with a very manageable (and winnable) 5 games to end the season.

A must win on Sunday?

This game is without question a “must-win” for this team if they want a chance at winning their first AFC South title since 2014. Plus, given the difficulty of the schedule we just mentioned, it’s arguably the second easiest game on the mutual familiarity schedule. The season isn’t over if the Colts lose, but their ability to win the division is significantly diminished. Now they are still in a good position to clinch a Wild Card spot if they can get 10 wins by the end of the season.

If there’s any good news for the Colts on Sunday, Nico Collins is still on injured reserve for Houston. They are (as usual) very quiet about squad decisions on other matchdays, apart from the always vague injury report.

As for the Colts, there was some positive injury news with the expected return of arguably their two most impactful stars, DT DeForest Buckner and RB Jonathan Taylor. Both practiced fully on Thursday after missing several games. This defense was better but struggled in the pass rush. Having Buckner will force Houston to focus more on the interior and open up edge rushing. The fan base knows what Jonathan Taylor will bring to this team. It will take more attention away from Richardson and bring his explosive playmaking ability to the floor.

Regardless of whether you believe this is a must-win game this weekend, the Colts’ overall health is in better shape and the chance to win has never been greater and more important to the direction of the season.

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The AFC South is up for grabs on Sunday in Houston