Why the Colts are the NFL's Most Dangerous Wild Card Team

Photo Credits: Indianapolis Colts Twitter

The Indianapolis Colts came into the 2018/2019 season with low expectations. Most thought the team would be playing for the top draft pick, not the playoffs. After getting off to a 1-5 start, it seemed the predictions were going to be correct. Then all of the sudden things clicked.

Approaching the start of the season, the Colts were unsure if Andrew Luck would even be able to start the season due to the infamous shoulder injury. The offensive line was yet again in question and the hideous defense of season's past seemed to look even worse.

Even with a rough start through the first six games it appeared the offense, and luck, were at least respectable. However, the pre-season expectations seemed to have lived up to par. The defense struggled, offensive line ravaged by injuries and different combinations of players, and the running game was simply, bad.

With the no holds bar return of Marlon Mack in week seven (only had 12 carries in week six) the offense, and the team, breathed new life. The week seven 37-5 win against the Buffalo Bills sparked something incredible, a fluid offense that could run the ball efficiently. Off 19 carries, Marlon Mack ran for 126 yards and a touchdown. The defense also changed it's scheme from a heavy bend-don't-break style to a heavy cover 2 and "try and beat us deep" type defense.

After the week seven win, the Colts went on to win eight of their final nine games with Marlon Mack being one of the leading rushers in the NFL during that stretch. The offensive line hardly gave up any sacks and the Darius Leonard led defense clicked like something Colts fans haven't seen since the glory days of Peyton Manning. They finished the season ranking 11th in total defense.

Entering the AFC Divisionals after a fantastic win over the Texans, the Colts are looking spectacular. Patrick MVP Mahomes and company will be the biggest task the Colt's defense has had all season. There's little doubt in Indy that the Colts can't pull this off. After-all, they held an equally scorching team in the Cowboys to zero points in the regular season as well as the Texans to seven.

Many things have to go right for the Colt's to win the matchup. First and foremost, the Colts have to focus on the run game against a horrid Chiefs rushing defense that allows 5.0 yards per carry. With the way they ran against the best running defense in the league in the Texans, this shouldn't be a problem. Clock management will be especially critical with how dangerous the Chiefs offense can be.

Another thing the Colts must focus on is stopping Travis Kelce. It's expected that Tyreek Hill will make a few big plays, but Kelce is the main player to worry about. The Colts have struggled against tight ends all season and haven't faced a tight end as good as Kelce. Taking him out of the game would be critical to the Chiefs offense.

Lastly, Andrew Luck has to play like he has all season. Though he makes a couple bonehead mistakes every game, those mistakes must be limited. While the Chiefs have been terrible at defense this season, they rank 6th in turnover differential. Luck doesn't have to be perfect, but he has to be something near it.

If the Colts can defeat the Chiefs there's little doubt they can defeat anyone in the NFL. The Chiefs have been one of the leagues best teams all season and defeating them would be something that gives them ultimate momentum pushing into the conference finals. The ability to run, pass, and defend, something that lacked in previous seasons, makes the Colts lethal and similar to that of last season's Eagles. Win or lose, there should be no shame in Indianapolis. Their beloved Colts weren't expected to make it this far. With that in mind, it makes this season's playoff appearance that much better.

Photo's/Video Credits: Indianapolis Colts Twitter

Statistics gathered from: The Football Database, ESPN