The Indianapolis Colts (6-6) suffered a tough loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3) had it not been for some crucial turnovers in Week 12 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Even with the loss, the Colts still have a chance to make the playoffs as a wild-card team with five games remaining. It will be a tough path to the playoffs, but they aren’t out of it yet.
Here’s a look at where the Colts stand in the AFC playoff picture entering Week 13:
The Big Picture
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens took over the No. 1 seed from the Tennessee Titans after the latter lost to New England, who now finds themselves as the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The Kansas City Chiefs were on a bye while there are eight teams with records between 7-4 and 6-6, proving that the entire wild-card slate is up for grabs.
This Week's Talking Point
AP Photo/Zach Bolinger
The Colts are on the road looking for a season sweep against the Houston Texans, a team the former dominated 31-3 in Week 6. This will be a bit different now with Tyrod Taylor back in the mix but the Colts should take care of business before heading into the Week 14 bye.
We'll Also Discuss
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
- T.Y. Hilton’s history against the Texans. Spoiler: it’s good.
- A key advantage the Colts may have over the rest of the wild-card teams going down the stretch.
- What the Colts need to do to take care of business against an inferior AFC opponent.
- Will Khari Willis make his return from the injured reserve list?
AFC Playoff Picture
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
1. Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
2. New England Patriots (8-3)
3. Tennessee Titans (8-4)
4. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)
6. Buffalo Bills (7-4)
7. Los Angeles Chargers (6-5)
In the hunt
8. Las Vegas Raiders (6-5)
9. Denver Broncos (6-5)
10. Indianapolis Colts (6-6)
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5-1)
12. Cleveland Browns (6-6)
Remaining Schedule
AP Photo/AJ Mast
| Week | Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Network | Result |
| 1 | Seahawks | Sept. 12 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | L, 28-16 |
| 2 | Rams | Sept. 19 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | L, 27-24 |
| 3 | @ Titans | Sept. 26 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | L, 25-16 |
| 4 | @ Dolphins | Oct. 3 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | W, 27-17 |
| 5 | @ Ravens | Oct. 11 | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN | L, 31-25 (OT) |
| 6 | Texans | Oct. 17 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | W, 31-3 |
| 7 | @ 49ers | Oct. 24 | 8:20 p.m. | NBC | W, 30-18 |
| 8 | Titans | Oct. 31 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | L, 34-31 |
| 9 | Jets | Nov. 4 (TNF) | 8:20 p.m. | NFLN | W, 45-30 |
| 10 | Jaguars | Nov. 14 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | W, 23-17 |
| 11 | @ Bills | Nov. 21 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | W, 41-15 |
| 12 | Buccaneers | Nov. 28 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | L, 38-31 |
| 13 | @ Texans | Dec. 5 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | |
| 14 | BYE | BYE | BYE | ||
| 15 | Patriots | Dec. 18 | 8:20 p.m. ET | NFLN | |
| 16 | @ Cardinals | Dec. 25 | 8:15 p.m. | NFLN | |
| 17 | Raiders | Jan. 2 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | |
| 18 | @ Jaguars | Jan. 9 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS |
