The Bruce Arians Bowl! WHO WILL OUT BUBBLE SCREEN THE OTHER? THIS ONE IS FOR ALL THE KONGOLS.
When the schedule was released, Arians facing off against the team for which he served as interim coach and guided to the playoffs was considered to be a minor footnote and ultimately of little consequence other than to a Colts team likely to be vying for a playoff spot. Instead, it’s a showdown between 6-4 teams with playoff implications for both. Arizona has won three straight, albeit against the likes of Jacksonville, Houston and Atlanta.
The Colts have had a intriguing season thus far against the NFC West. Two of their most impressive wins came against the Seahawks and the 49ers, yet Indy was also decimated by the Rams. That loss to St. Louis fell in a month of shaky play. In their other two games since beating the Broncos in Week 7, the Colts have required dramatic comebacks after falling behind in the first half against division rivals. The loss of Reggie Wayne has been keenly felt by the passing game.
Nevertheless, Indy remains still in the hunt for a first-round bye. With the rest of the AFC South in shambles, the Colts’ playoffs hopes won’t take a huge hit with a loss, but a win coupled with a Patriots loss to Denver puts them on an inside track for a bye. For Arizona, it’s a chance to get a victory to keep them in the hunt for a wildcard berth.
Your late game slate, as rated by KSK’s not-at-all subjective, rigorously scientificated five-star system:
Indianapolis at Arizona ***
Tennessee at Oakland **
Dallas at New York Giants ***