The Indianapolis Colts are still breathing in the AFC playoff race - and considering how this season started, that’s a storyline in itself. At one point, this team looked like it was headed for a top-10 draft pick.
Now, with three games left, they’ve got a shot to sneak into the final wild card spot. It’s a tall order, no doubt, but it’s also a testament to how unpredictable and gritty this Colts season has become.
The biggest twist in this plot? Philip Rivers is back under center.
Yes, that Philip Rivers - the one who last played an NFL snap five years ago and has since been coaching high school football. But here he is, back in a Colts uniform, trying to steer this team across the finish line.
And after one game, we’ve got at least some idea of what that might look like.
Let’s be clear: Rivers didn’t light it up in his return against the Seahawks. His stat line - 18 completions on 27 attempts for 120 yards - tells you most of what you need to know.
The arm strength isn’t what it used to be, and a few of those passes had more wobble than zip. But for a guy who’s been out of the league for half a decade?
He didn’t look lost. He looked like a quarterback who knows what he’s doing, even if his body isn’t quite on the same page.
That’s where things get interesting. With a full game now under his belt, the question becomes: how much better can he be in Week 2?
There’s reason to believe he’ll be more comfortable, more in sync with his receivers, and maybe a little sharper with his timing. But even at his best, this version of Rivers isn’t going to carry a team on his back.
That’s not the ask - and it shouldn’t be.
The Colts know that too. They’re going to lean hard on Jonathan Taylor, as they should.
He’s the engine of this offense, and if they’re going to make a push, it starts with him. But no matter how good Taylor is, defenses won’t respect the run if there’s zero threat through the air.
That’s where Rivers’ job gets tricky. He doesn’t need to be vintage Rivers - he just needs to be competent enough to keep defenses honest.
And make no mistake, the road ahead is brutal. The Colts still have to face the 49ers, Jaguars, and Texans - all teams with playoff aspirations or the kind of defensive fronts that can make life miserable for a quarterback who can’t move like he used to. Rivers is going to have to get the ball out quickly, rely on checkdowns, and trust his tight ends and backs to do the heavy lifting after the catch.
The good news? He’s got help.
The offensive line held up well against Seattle, giving him just enough time to operate. The defense showed up too, keeping the Colts within striking distance.
This isn’t a one-man mission - it’s going to take a full team effort. And that’s the only way this works.
Rivers is a pro’s pro - always has been. He’s not going to panic, and he’s not going to try to be something he’s not.
But at 44, he’s also not going to magically turn back the clock. He’ll manage the game, make the right reads, and try to keep things on schedule.
The rest? That’s up to the guys around him.
So yes, the Colts are still alive. Barely.
But alive. And with three games left, they’ve got a shot - however slim - to make something remarkable out of a season that once looked lost.
Just don’t expect Rivers to do it all himself. This run, if it happens, will be about more than just a quarterback comeback story.
It’ll be about a team rallying around a long shot, and maybe - just maybe - making some noise in the process.