INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts’ dismantling for the Las Vegas Raiders had a significant impact on their chances of making the playoffs according to recent history.
Twenty-five teams have started the season 4-1 since the NFL went to a 14-team playoff system, 23 of them — 92.0% — made the playoffs. The 2021 Baltimore Ravens and 2021 Los Angeles Chargers are the only teams to start 4-1 and not make the postseason since 2020.
Forty-five teams have started the season 3-2, 25 — 55.6% — made the playoffs. Sunday’s win increased the Colts’ chances of making the playoffs by 36.4% and has them almost certainly in the playoffs.
AFC SOUTH
1.Indianapolis 4-1: 4-0 in conference
2.Jacksonville 4-1: 2-1 in conference
3.Houston 2-3
4.Tennessee 1-4
AFC PLAYOFF SEEDING
1. Indianapolis 4-1: 4-0 in conference
2. Buffalo 4-1: 3-1 conference
3. Pittsburgh 3-1: 2-0 in conference
4. L.A. Chargers 3-2: 3-0 in conference
5. Jacksonville 4-1
6. Denver 3-2
7. New England 3-2
It’s a little silly to look at tiebreakers this early in the season, especially with common opponents thrown out due to a lack of games but those are the current seedings in the AFC.
Joel A. Erickson covers the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Sunday’s win over the Raiders was so important for Colts’ playoff odds
Reporting by Nat Newell, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
