The Indianapolis Colts will go into the final week on a high note after a last-second win last Sunday over the Patriots.
Where does this latest win take the now 6-7 Colts?
The Colts entered the 2024 season at No. 18 on this list and ended up at No. 28 after an 0-2 start, as well as almost everywhere in between in a year of ups and downs.
A loss to Detroit last week dropped the Colts from No. 19 to No. 21, but a win saw them jump to No. 18 — the highest they've reached since Week 1.
These rankings for ESPN are determined by more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities who evaluate each team's performance and then rank them from 1 to 32.
It was far from a perfect performance against New England, as Indianapolis was overrun by the Patriots as they surrendered 200 yards on the ground. This then helped keep the Patriots in front of the sticks and opened up opportunities in the passing game that Drake Maye was able to capitalize on.
Stringing together long drives, the Patriots reached the red zone six times, but what kept the Colts in this game was that New England only left with a touchdown twice, with self-inflicted mistakes often leading to drives coming close to scoring stalled line.
However, thanks to Anthony Richardson, no one will really remember it. For much of the four quarters, the Colts' running game had the success it needed as the passing game struggled to find a rhythm.
Then, with five minutes left, Richardson orchestrated a 19-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that culminated with a successful two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds to give the Colts the lead.
On this drive, Richardson did a little bit of everything for the offense, from running the ball to making some critical passes to overcoming drops and converting three fourth downs. With the game and season on the line, Richardson was at his best.
After the bye week, the Colts travel to Denver to face the AFC's current seventh seed, the Broncos. Like almost every game where you have 6-7, this one is a must. The Broncos are ranked No. 12 in the ESPN rankings.
