NFL Playoffs 2023: Indianapolis Colts Secure Playoff Spot, AFC South Still Up for Grabs

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) are about to enter the NFL playoffs!

Austrian Bernhard Raimann’s team celebrated an important 23:20 home win over the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) on New Year’s Eve.

Raimann plays as usual as a left tackle and watches as his team controls the game for a long time. Colts quarterback Garnder Minshew threw for 224 yards (1 TD) and Jonathan Taylor was close to 100 with 96 rushing yards (1 TD).

Ultimately, “Indy” can withstand the Raiders’ final offensive. Las Vegas receiver Davante Adams caught two touchdowns and also generated 126 yards receiving.

Indianapolis has its playoff fate in its own hands. With a win over the Houston Texans in the final round of the regular season (Sunday, 2:15 a.m.), Raimann and Co. move into the playoffs.

Race for AFC South still open

The division title, which would be linked to a playoff home game, is still within reach for Indianapolis. Currently, both Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Houston are 9-7.

In order to win the division, however, the Colts would need a blowout from the Jacksonville Jaguars, who won 26-0 against the Carolina Panthers (2-14) on Sunday even without star QB Trevor Lawrence.

If Jacksonville (against Tennessee) and Indianapolis (against Houston) win, the Colts would be in the playoffs as a wild card team. Houston is also still in contention after defeating the Tennessee Titans (5-11) 26-3 on Sunday.

Eagles blunder, Niners secure number 1 seed in NFC

The Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) surprisingly lost 31:35 against the Arizona Cardinals (4-12) on Sunday and are in danger of only having to attack the playoffs as the number 5 seed.

The Dallas Cowboys (11-5) now hold the division lead in the NFC East again. If Dallas beats the Washington Commanders next Sunday, the Eagles will have to play on the road in the playoffs.

The game between Arizona and Philly is only decided in the final seconds after Kyler Murray leads the Cardinals down the field and James Conner ultimately scores the decisive touchdown.

The San Francisco 49ers (12-4) also benefited from the Eagles’ slip-up and secured the number 1 seed in the NFC and thus a bye week thanks to the 27:10 victory over the Washington Commanders (4-12). at the start of the playoffs.

Ravens blow Dolphins in top game

The Baltimore Ravens have also been number one in the AFC since Sunday.

The Ravens (13-3) dominate the top game for the number 1 seed in the AFC at will and dispatched the Miami Dolphins (11-5) 56:19.

It is the second most points that Baltimore has ever put on the scoreboard in its franchise history. Lamar Jackson impresses with a brilliant performance, completing 18 of 21 passes, five of which are touchdowns.

Miami now has to fight for the AFC East title after the Buffalo Bills (10-6) won 27:21 against the New England Patriots (4-12). In the last round there will be a direct duel for the division. Unlike Miami, Buffalo has not yet secured its playoff ticket.

Chiefs and Rams in the playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) are once again in the playoffs. With a somewhat arduous 25:17 home win over the Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals (8-8), they secured the AFC West again. The man of the game is kicker Harrison Butker with six field goals.

The Los Angeles Rams (9-7) defeated the New York Giants (5-11) 26:25 and secured a playoff ticket for the wild card round.

There will be a long-distance duel for the NFC South next Sunday between the New Orleans Saints (8-8) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8), after the Saints won the direct duel in Tampa 23:13.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) also remain alive after their 30:23 win at the Seattle Seahawks (8-8). Seattle can also still hope for the playoffs. The same applies to the Green Bay Packers (8-8), who beat the Minnesota Vikings (7-9) 33:10.

2024-01-01 08:42:51
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