The New York Times simulator gives the Colts a 45% chance to make the playoffs in this situation. Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.

Philip Rivers didn’t come out of retirement for the Indianapolis Colts to just leave quietly in January. On Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, the 44-year-old quarterback looked like someone who still believes — even as the Colts absorbed a damaging 48–27 loss to the San Francisco 49ers that left their AFC playoff aspirations hanging by

With a win over the Texans, the Colts would improve to 9-3 on the season. According to Pro Football Focus, at that point, the Colts' playoff chances would sit at 90% -- or make them a near lock. But on the flip side, a loss to Houston and the Colts fall to 8-4, with their playoff chances at 56%.

The Indianapolis Colts were one of the NFL’s early surprises, racing to an 8-2 start and putting themselves firmly in the AFC playoff picture. That optimism has evaporated in record time. Sunday’s blowout loss to the Jaguars marked their third straight ...

Philip Rivers' Indianapolis Colts suffered a 48-27 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Monday Night Football. The Colts' fifth consecutive loss dropped them to an 8-7 record.

The Colts played it safe through the air in Rivers’s return to action in Week 15. With his passes lacking a bit of zip, it’s hard to take shots downfield. He had just 120 yards last week while throwing for a touchdown and an interception, and I’m expecting him to improve upon that performance against the Niners.

In Week 16, Indianapolis took on the San Francisco 49ers on "Monday Night Football," which resulted in a 48-27 loss that will put another huge damper on the Colts' playoff chances. Here's an updated look at the Colts' path to the playoffs, and the AFC wild-card picture, after Week 16.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) catches a touchdown pass against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. Credit: AP/AJ Mast

The 49ers have arguably the toughest two-game closing stretch among the teams in playoff positions. They face the Chicago Bears in Week 17 and then take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. The Seattle-San Francisco regular-season finale could be the No.