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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Paul Bretl

Colts reach highest point in ESPN’s power rankings since Week 1

The Indianapolis Colts will go into their late bye week on a high note following a last-second victory this past Sunday over the Patriots.

So where does this most recent win land the now 6-7 Colts in ESPN’s Week 14 power rankings?

The Colts entered the 2024 season at No. 18 on this list and have been as low as No. 28 following an 0-2 start, along with just about everywhere in between in what has been an up-and-down year.

A loss to Detroit last week dropped the Colts from No. 19 to No. 21, but following a win, they jumped up to No. 18–the highest spot they’ve reached since Week 1.

Determining these rankings for ESPN are more than 80 writers, editors, and TV personalities evaluating each team’s performance and then ranking them from 1-32.

It was far from a perfect performance against New England, with the Indianapolis being run all over by the Patriots as they surrendered 200 yards on the ground. This then helped keep the Patriots ahead of the sticks and opened up opportunities in the passing game that Drake Maye was able to take advantage of.

Stringing together long drives, the Patriots visited the red zone six times, but what kept the Colts in this game was that New England left with a touchdown on only two occasions, with self-inflicted mistakes often leading to those stalled out drives near the goal line.

However, no one is really going to remember any of that, thanks to Anthony Richardson. For much of the four quarters, the Colts run game found some needed success as the passing game struggled to find a rhythm.

Then, with five minutes left, Richardson orchestrated a 19-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that culminated with a successful two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds to give the Colts lead.

On that drive, Richardson did a bit of everything for the offense, from running the ball to completing some critical passes, to overcoming drops, and converting three fourth-downs. With the game and the season on the line, Richardson was at his best.

Coming out of the bye week, the Colts will travel to Denver to take on the current seventh seed in the AFC the Broncos. As is just about every game when you’re 6-7, this is a must win. The Broncos come in at No. 12 in ESPN’s rankings.

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