Philip Rivers to Start Again in Week 16: Colts Turn to Veteran for Crucial Monday Night Matchup
The Indianapolis Colts are doubling down on experience as they head into a must-win Week 16 showdown. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Monday that 44-year-old Philip Rivers will get the start once again, this time under the bright lights of Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.
Rivers’ return to the NFL has been one of the biggest storylines of the week-and for good reason. After stepping away from the game at the end of the 2020 season, the future Hall of Famer stepped back under center with just a few days of prep and nearly pulled off a win in his first game back. The Colts ultimately fell to the Seahawks, 18-16, but Rivers showed he still has something left in the tank.
Holding His Own Against One of the League's Toughest Defenses
Let’s not overlook what Rivers was up against in Week 15. Seattle’s defense has been one of the stingiest in the league this season, and yet Rivers-despite the short ramp-up-managed to keep Indianapolis in the game until the final seconds.
He completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. No, it wasn’t a stat line that’ll light up fantasy scoreboards, but it was efficient, composed, and competitive.
Given the circumstances, it was a performance that earned him another shot.
A Different Challenge Awaits in San Francisco
Next up: the 49ers. And while San Francisco brings its own set of challenges, this defense isn’t quite the same beast as Seattle’s.
The Niners currently rank 18th in total yards allowed per game (333.6) and 11th in points allowed per game (20.9). That’s still a solid unit, but it’s a step down from the elite numbers Seattle has posted this year.
For Rivers, that could mean a little more breathing room in the pocket, a few more open windows, and maybe even a chance to push the ball downfield. The Colts will need that spark. They’ve dropped four straight games and are clinging to playoff hopes as the current No. 8 seed in the AFC.
Stakes Are High for Both Sides
This isn’t just another late-season game-it’s a prime-time battle with postseason implications on both sides. The Colts are fighting to stay in the AFC playoff picture, while the 49ers, sitting as the NFC’s No. 6 seed, are trying to close the gap on the division-leading Rams.
So, yes, it’s a 44-year-old quarterback stepping in late in the year. But it’s also a former Pro Bowler with over 60,000 career passing yards, leading a desperate team into a high-stakes December clash. If Rivers can shake off the rust and build on what he showed last week, this could be more than just a feel-good comeback story-it could be the spark the Colts need to keep their season alive.
One thing’s for sure: Monday night just got a whole lot more interesting.