The Indianapolis Colts are hanging on by a thread in the AFC playoff race. Their season isn’t over just yet, but the margin for error is officially gone. To stay alive, they’ll need to win their final two games - first against the Jacksonville Jaguars, then the Houston Texans - and get a little help along the way.
That help could come as soon as Saturday night, when the Los Angeles Chargers host the Texans. If the Chargers take care of business, the Colts will head into Sunday’s matchup with Jacksonville still in the hunt.
But if Houston pulls the upset? Indianapolis will be eliminated before they even take the field.
And at the center of it all - somehow, some way - is Philip Rivers.
Yes, that Philip Rivers. At 44 years old, the future Hall of Famer is back under center for the Colts, and he’s not just going through the motions.
After coming out of retirement late in the season, Rivers has been named the starter once again for Week 17, per head coach Shane Steichen. Despite having younger options on the roster - including Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson (if healthy) - Steichen is rolling with the veteran.
And based on what we saw in Week 16, it’s hard to argue with the decision.
Rivers threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns in that game, showing flashes of the same pocket presence and quick release that defined his career. The Colts ultimately lost, but it wasn’t because of Rivers - the defense gave up 41 points, and no quarterback is winning many games under those conditions.
Still, Rivers isn’t patting himself on the back.
“I’m torn on how to express it, because it’s been a blast… But the name of the game is not to go have a good time. It’s help find a way to lead your team to a win. And we’ve come up short,” Rivers said.
That’s classic Rivers - competitive, honest, and laser-focused on the team. He knows what it takes to make a playoff run.
He’s been there before. And while this comeback might’ve started as a long shot, it’s clear he’s not just here for nostalgia.
He’s here to win.
The Colts still need things to break their way. The Chargers need to take care of the Texans.
Then Indy has to handle business against the Jaguars and Texans themselves. It’s a tough road, no question.
But with Rivers at the helm, they’ve got a shot. And at this point in the season, that’s all you can ask for.