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Indianapolis Colts Can Tie for AFC South Lead With Win Monday

By Kyle Nishida

Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Houston Texans 21-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Indianapolis Colts can create a three-way tie at the top of the AFC South with a win Monday.

The loss to the Packers pushed the Texans record to 6-6 on the season. Houston’s loss can become the Colts’ gain if they come away with a win over the New York Jets.

The Colts currently has a 5-6 record. So, a win Monday would improve their record to 6-6; the same record as the Texans. However, Houston currently own the tiebreaker over them thanks to a Week 6 head-to-head win.

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The Tennessee Titans are also players for the AFC South lead because they too have a 6-6 record. Fortunately, both the Colts and the Texans currently hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Tennessee.

While this information is great to know, it means absolutely nothing if Indianapolis cannot beat a 3-8 New York team Monday night.

Ideally, Indianapolis should not have much trouble with a 3-8 football team. However, they are not very good either, and there are plenty of factors going against them.

First of all, quarterback Andrew Luck is just returning from a concussion. He did not play in the Colts’ 28-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and will have not taken a snap since November 20.

Also, Monday Night Football usually give Luck problems. The Colts are 1-4 the Monday night games Luck starts in. He has thrown 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in those five games.

On the flip side, the Jets have the talent to give Indianapolis problems. Their big, physical receiver Brandon Marshall has torched Indianapolis in the pass and could again on Monday.

At the same time, Indianapolis has the 10th worst rush defense, and opponents are averaging 4.6 yards per carry (tied for 4th worst) against them. The Jets’ Matt Forte could have a big day against them for that reason.

Next: Colts: Luck Needs to Get Over Monday Night Yips

Ultimately, this is a game the Colts should win. Unfortunately, a win is never a guarantee for Indianapolis these days. Hopefully, there will be a three-way tie atop the AFC South following the conclusion of Monday night’s game.

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