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As we approach the mid-season of the 2024 season, the Colts land at 4-3 through 7 weeks. Most of the fanbase does not appear to be pleased with the overall performance of this team. However, the team is over .500 and if Anthony Richardson can figure out his accuracy issues, this team could really string together some more wins. The schedule does not get any easier in the next 5 weeks.

 

The Schedule Gets More Difficult

 

The Colts travel to Houston (5-2) this weekend and then the next 4 weeks will be the most difficult part of the season for them. After Houston this weekend they will travel to Minnesota (5-1) for a flexed primetime game. After that, they return home to battle Buffalo (5-2). In Week 11, they go back on primetime as they travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets (2-5). Finally, they return home to finish November to take on perennial Super Bowl contender in Detroit (5-1).

In the next five weeks, the combined record of these teams total 22-11. All five of these teams can beat Indianapolis. Yes, even the Jets. While their record does not show it, anytime you bring in a new skill position player and a new coach it will change things up. It is their most winnable game, but they must find a way to win 2 of these games at a minimum. This 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 any chance of winning their first AFC South title since 2014. Also, with the schedule difficulty we just mentioned that it is arguably the second easiest one on the schedule due to familiarity with one another. The season is not over if the Colts lose, but the ability to win the division is significantly diminished. Now, they are still in a good position to get a Wild Card spot if they can get to 10 wins by the end of the season.

If there is some good news heading into Sunday for the Colts, Nico Collins is still on injured reserve for Houston. They are (as usual) being very quiet on other gameday roster decisions, other than what is the always vague injury report.

As for the Colts, they got some positive injury news with the expected return of their arguably two most impactful stars, DT DeForest Buckner and RB Jonathan Taylor. Both practiced in full on Thursday after missing multiple games. This defense has been better but struggled in the pass rush. Having Buckner will force Houston to focus more on the interior and open the edge rushing. The fan base knows what Jonathan Taylor will bring to this team. It will take more attention off Richardson and bring that explosive play ability on the ground.

Whether you believe this game is a “must-win” this weekend, the Colts’ overall health is in a better position and the opportunity to win has never been more ripe, or important towards the direction of the season.

 

More from The Blue Stable:

The AFC South is up for Grabs on Sunday in Houston

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