The Indianapolis Colts are back at home to take on the 7-2 Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon after spending four of the last five games on the road.
At 4-5 while in the midst of a two-game losing streak, the Colts are still in the AFC playoff mix, just one game out of the final wildcard spot. However, as I’m sure you can guess, those playoff hopes take another big hit if the Colts can’t win today.
Coming off an abysmal offensive performance against Minnesota, the Colts getting back on track will begin with Jonathan Taylor and the run game able to find success against a Bills defense that ranks 26th in yards per rush.
The defense, meanwhile, has been playing some good football over the last month, ranking top 10 in several advanced metrics, but finding a way to contain Josh Allen and the high-scoring Buffalo offense will be a brand new challenge.
So with all of that in mind, stay up to date right here with live updates and highlights from the Colts vs. Bills game on Sunday afternoon.
Colts Inactives
The Indianapolis Colts announced that six players will be inactive for this game. Below is a look at who those players are and for a deeper dive into what it means for today’s game, click here.
WR Michael Pittman
WR Anthony Gould
QB Sam Ehlinger
DT Adam Gotsis
DE Genard Avery
S Darren Hall
Scoring Summary
First quarter
On the first offensive play of the game for the Colts, Joe Flacco threw an interception deep in Indianapolis’ own territory that Buffalo cornerback Taron Johnson returned for a touchdown. The Bills lead 7-0.
A 20 yard run from James Cook put the Bills deep in Colts’ territory. The defense would hold up, however, limiting Buffalo to a field goal. Bills lead 10-0.
A 59-yard run from Jonathan Taylor put the Colts in the red zone. They were unable to find the end zone and kicked a field goal to cut the Buffalo lead to 10-3.
Second quarter
The Colts offense caps off an 11 play drive with a touchdown to tie the game at 10-10.
Following an interception by Colts linebacker EJ Speed, the Colts take a 13-10 lead following a field goal from Matt Gay.
The lead is short lived, however, with Josh Allen leading a touchdown drive to give the Bills the 17-13 lead.
Buffalo runs an effective final drive before half, sparked by a downfield throw from Allen to Mack Hollins, allowing them to kick a field goal as time expired. Bills lead at halftime 20-13.
Third quarter
In-game analysis
– Taking care of the football is always important but it is at a premium this week against a Bills’ defense that is one of the best at forcing takeaways. Flacco now has thrown two interceptions on the Colts’ first two possessions of the game. A high-scoring Bills offense doesn’t need any extra help.
– As mentioned at the beginning, getting the run game going was going to be a must for the Colts and the offense has really settled in with Taylor getting regular carries and finding success.
– Two really impressive stands early on by the defense. In the red zone, they hold the Bills to a field goal and then with Buffalo on the cusp of entering the red zone, the Colts get a fourth down stop. This allowed the Colts offense to get them back into this game.
– The Bills entered the game ranked sixth in red zone defense and that is one of the key differences at halftime. The Colts have made their way to the red zone three times, but have just one touchdown.
Highlights
JT is loose! 💨
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/29NMe0Le96
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 10, 2024
Z got the clamps out on 4th down. 🗜️
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/0DojFOAlQn
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 10, 2024
Caught in the Speed trap.
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/GFhcHWurkc
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 10, 2024
(Please note that his article will be updated as the game unfolds.)