The Colts received almost zero support from the NFL this week in…

The Colts won on Saturday, which is a good thing given the results on Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts grabbed the bull by the horns on Saturday, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that resembled a playoff game. With the win, they kept pace in the AFC playoff picture and were hoping for additional support from the rest of the NFL. It’s that time of year when fans become painfully aware of other games’ implications for their own. With the AFC being so packed, this week’s matches presented plenty of chances to improve their status. Unfortunately for the Colts, they received virtually no help.

The Bengals trailed the Vikings in the fourth quarter, even by a touchdown with less than four minutes remaining. Their late touchdown forced overtime, when they scored the game-winning field goal. This one was painful on numerous levels, since the Bengals are tied for first place with the Colts and have the tie-breaker courtesy to last week’s results. The late game pitted the Broncos against the Lions. The Lions rushed out to a big lead, which the Broncos never recovered from. The Broncos’ playoff hopes were dashed after they were cooled off.

The Colts struggled in the early Sunday matchups. The Bears led the Browns 17-7 entering the fourth quarter. The Browns scored 13 unanswered points, including the game-winning field goal with 36 seconds remaining. The Bears had a final chance to go to the Browns’ 45, but an interception ended the game in Cleveland.

The next chance came when the Texans traveled to Tennessee without C.J. Stroud. Will Levis started strong but struggled after being named “the one to rule them all” after last week’s performance against the Dolphins. The Colts were doomed by yet another second-half meltdown. The Texans outscored the Titans 13-3 in the second half and scored three points in overtime.

The Dallas Cowboys were the icing on top of the sundae….oh, too soon? They went to Buffalo to play the Bills. After thumping the Eagles last week, this appeared to be the best chance for the Colts to get to the playoffs. The Bills, who are 31-3 in the fourth quarter, do not appear to be going away anytime soon.

The Colts’ last great chance comes on Sunday Night Football, when they face the Ravens. Something that appeared entirely out of the question only a few weeks ago is already on the minds of Colts supporters. Although the Jaguars have swept the Colts this season, the division is still in reach. With a loss tonight, the two teams are in a virtual tie. Even if the Jaguars still have the advantage, saying that this late in the season is surreal. Ravens, go!