Colts return to postseason, but can they match up against the Bills?

The Indianapolis Colts might be in the playoffs, but are they an early exit away from underachieving?

No one can deny that Chris Ballard knows how to draft.

During the second quarter, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor broke down the sideline for another big run. Two plays later, he hurdled over his offensive line to score his 10th touchdown on the season.

Double-digit touchdowns. A 1,000-yard season. Not bad for rookie running back, huh?

https://twitter.com/Colts/status/1345885023979888642

Taylor saw a career-high in rushing yards on the afternoon, tallying 253 on the way to a 28-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. With it, the Colts had to sit and wait for the Tennessee Titans to either toss their season away or somehow beat the 4-11 Texans.

A doink in favor of the Music City franchise gave them the AFC South title for the first time since 2008. It also made sure the Colts would travel to Buffalo as the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff picture.

Now the question is, can Indianapolis contain Josh Allen and the Bills?

Is there a chance where the Bills falter?

In a way, the Colts owe Buffalo a thank you. A three-interception day from Tua Tagovailoa helped steer Buffalo to a 56-26 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Right now, there might not be a team playing stronger football than the Bills. It starts with Allen, who has broken out past his big-arm mantra and stepped up as the face of the franchise. Against one of the league’s top defenses, the third-year pro threw for 224 yards and three scores.

It’s good that Taylor’s loose because his number will be called on consistently. After avenging 5.5 yards per carry and racking up 488 yards over his last five games, he averaged 8.4 against the Jags front seven. Meanwhile, Buffalo allowed Miami’s Salvon Ahmed to average 4.8 yards per run.

https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1345824452530081793

Philip Rivers once again struggled to move the ball consistently against a defensive backfield that’s ranked in the bottom three since Week 4. Going 17-of-27 for 164 yards and a touchdown, the 38-year-old threw a costly interception by under throwing his receiver in the end zone.

Rivers could have allowed two more picks, but both were just out of Jaguars’ reach. Another secondary would have snatched that and taken it back.

Ballard has built the Colts to contend well past 2020. The offensive line will be the foreground while the run defense has been one of the league’s best. An improving secondary and receiving corp will only help over time.

However, Rivers can move the ball deep. He’ll trust the dump pass and hope for the best. As Buffalo’s secondary returns to full strength, they’re getting better each week.

For the Colts, they’ll need old man Rivers to play like Allen. That or Allen to play like Rivers. Either way, the future is bright for the horseshoe franchise, but let’s pump the brakes before betting the house on the ponies to be contenders in Orchard Park.