The Colts chances of being the top seed in the AFC seem slim due to a reason completely out of their control

The Colts' remaining schedule looks significantly tougher on paper compared to other top contenders for the 1 seed in the AFC

There are currently three teams in the AFC with an 8-2 record and another that sits at 7-3. The Colts already have wins over two of the three teams sitting near the top of the AFC, with a Week 2 win over the 8-2 Denver Broncos and a Week 7 win over the 7-3 Los Angeles Chargers. The last time one remaining is the New England Patriots, who the Colts don't get the chance to play, and are arguably their top competition for the top seed in the conference. 

The Colts have a tough road ahead if they are to accomplish that goal. Five of the team's seven remaining games are against opponents with a record above .500, and the only one below is the team's AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans. They are 4-5 on the year but also have one of the best defenses in the league, and in no way should it be treated as an easy game for the Colts.

On the other hand, the Patriots only have one game remaining against an opponent with a record above .500, their divisonal rivals, the Buffalo Bills. They do face off with teams that are undeniably better than their record appears, though, such as the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals. Upsets happen on a nearly weekly basis in the NFL, and it's nowhere near a given that the Patriots take advantage of their remaining schedule. On paper, however, they should certainly be viewed as the favorite to finish as the top seed in the AFC. 

Patriots reamining schedule

• Week 11: Vs. New York Jets (2-7)
• Week 12: @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
• Week 13: Vs. New York Giants (2-8)
• Week 14: Bye Week
• Week 15: Vs. Buffalo Bills (6-3)
• Week 16: @ Baltimore Ravens (4-5)
• Week 17: @ New York Jets (2-7)
• Week 18: Vs. Miami Dolphins (3-7)

Colts' remaining schedule after their Week 11 bye

• Week 12: @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
• Week 13: Vs. Houston Texans (4-5)
• Week 14: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
• Week 15: @ Seattle Seahawks (7-2)
• Week 16: Vs. San Francisco 49ers (6-4)
• Week 18: @ Houston Texans (4-5)
• Week 17: Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.