Indianapolis Colts (7-8) – Tennessee Titans (3-12): 38-30
For the Colts, the hope of going to the playoffs is certainly slim, but it still exists. And for that, they can greatly thank Jonathan Taylor (29 races, 218 yards and 3 TDs). Their running back put his team's offense on his back and carried it to victory. He can notably boast of having scored two superb touchdowns of 65 and 70 yards which allowed the Colts to widen the gap between the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
Anthony Richardson (7/11, 131 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT + 9 races, 70 yards and 1 TD), for his part, did not need to do too much and managed to avoid obvious errors, despite an interception. Above all, he was a strong support to his running back to explode the Titans on the ground (335 yards). Add to that a defense which lasted almost 45 minutes and which was able to cause timely turnovers (3 turnovers for the Titans) and you have a team which enters week 17 with the playoffs still in the sights.
A 38-0 in the wake of Jonathan Taylor
However, the Titans strike first in this meeting. A superb 38-yard touchdown from Mason Rudoph (23/34, 252 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs) for Calvin Ridley (3 receptions, 78 yards and 1 TD) allows the visitors to take the lead at the start (0-7 ). And when Amani Hooker catches Anthony Richardson's 12th interception of the season, we tell ourselves that it's going to be a long evening for the locals. That's without counting an almost perfect 2nd quarter from Shane Steichen's men. 24 points scored without conceding a single one.
On the ground first, with Anthony Richardson (7-7) then Jonathan Taylor (14-7). In the air then, with a 26-yard touchdown from Josh Downs (24-7) following one of Kenny Moore's two interceptions. The gap is made and it will increase, because halftime does not really help the Nashville players. Jonathan Taylor picks up where he left off with two new touchdowns. The Colts have just passed 38 points to their opponents, without response.
Two wins and a little help for the playoffs
A sufficient distance to see the Titans coming. Mason Rudolph's teammates will still try to come back, but they start from too far away. With three touchdowns in the last 20 minutes, they made the score a little less important and even came back to one possession. Tyjae Spears (10 races, 27 yards and 2 TDs + 3 receptions and 39 yards) twice on the ground and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine on a 6-yard reception save the honor. They will still leave Indiana with their 12th defeat of the season.
Shane Steichen has still not lost to his divisional opponent since he became head of the Colts. Above all, Anthony Richardson's partners will give everything over the next two weeks. With two victories, coupled with two defeats for the Chargers, Indianapolis will be in the playoffs. The chance percentage is low, but with Jonathan Taylor at this level, anything still seems possible.
