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The stakes are now high for the Colts in Week 18
Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Following the events of Week 17 of the NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts Week 18 game has become incredibly important. 

Now, the winner of the Colts matchup with the Houston Texans will secure an AFC playoff spot, and the loser's season will come to an end. 

Entering Week 17, there was only one scenario where the Colts could win out and not make the playoffs. All of the following would have had to occur:

  • Jacksonville Jaguars win out
  • Buffalo Bills win out
  • Cincinnati Bengals win out
  • Pittsburgh Steelers win one of their last two

Week 17 was starting to look scary for the Colts, as the Jaguars, Bills, and the Steelers all won their matchups. But thankfully, the Bengals fell short in Arrowhead and lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, which eliminated them from the playoffs. 

This has now given them complete control of their destiny, making their Week 18 game essentially a playoff game. The Colts have already defeated the Texans once this season in Week 2 and will now need to do it again if they want their season extended.  

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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