Fansided

5 NFL teams that must win in Week 17

By Thomas Wheaton

(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws downfield during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws downfield during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Indianapolis Colts

This final spot could go one of two ways. I went with the Colts because I think they would be more enjoyable to watch in the playoffs, but one could also make the argument for the Tennessee Titans. The NFL schedule makers followed the script perfectly as this Colts at Titans game will decide who is the final representative in the AFC playoffs.

If the Colts win, they are in. It is as simple as that. They can either be the sixth seed, or the champion of the AFC South which could result in the third or fourth seed. To win the division the Colts need the Houston Texans to lose, but they are at home against the Blake Bortles led Jacksonville Jaguars. Although crazier things have happened, I would expect that the Texans will be able to take care of business in that one.

That leaves the sixth seed as their most likely path, all they need to do is go in to Tennessee and defeat the Titans. With Marcus Mariota battling injuries, this one should be wide for the taking for the Colts. Mariota was limited in practice on Thursday, but he expects himself to be ready for Sunday’s game. The Titans defense has been their calling card all season, but if they cannot score points, how will they win?

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Andrew Luck, the favorite for comeback player of the year, has led the Colts to a shocking 9-6 record only one season removed from a 4-12 record. That is no small feat as the truth of the matter is the Colts have one of the least talented rosters in football. Frank Reich should be in the conversation for coach of the year as nobody has done more with less this year, and he could maybe cement that honor with a win in Week 17.

Win and they are in. Will the Colts step up and take that final spot?