Indianapolis Colts: Why Peyton Manning Will Still Lead Them To The Playoffs

The Indianapolis have been the talk of the NFL for the last couple of weeks, but not in the way they are used to.  They have been subject to a lot of criticism following a three-game losing streak that included 11 interceptions by star quarterback Peyton Manning.

Even the Colts own announcer Bob Lamey speculated whether or not the Colts should opt to play backup quarterback Curtis Painter, as reported by Stampede Blue.

Following all of this criticism Manning responded with a typical Peyton Manning game that everyone has grown to expect against the Titans.  He was 25-35 for 319 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. 

After responding to the critics and pulling their record to 7-6 and a ranking of second in the AFC South trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars, here is why the Colts will make the playoffs. 

Momentum

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 14: Jacob Tamme #84 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball after catching a pass during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 23-17. (P

Now that they had this victory against the Titans, they Colts are now rolling along. Once the Colts get on a roll it's hard to stop them.  

Now they have some momentum with this one game, they could be dangerous the rest of the season and even onto the postseason.

Schedule

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars rolls out against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 5, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jaguars won 17-6. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The Colts have a fairly easy road out, yet still face some tough teams. In the three games remaining on their schedule, the Colts play Jacksonville, who is the leader of their division.

They will face off with the Jaguars in 10 days and it will basically determine who gets to go to the playoffs in the AFC South as the wild card is basically out of the question at this point.

Peyton Manning

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Lets face it, Peyton Manning can just flat get it done in big game situations.  Sure he might not have the best playoff record, but when it comes to the division and winning it, it's hard to say you would want anyone else behind the reigns of your offense.

Manning has thrown for 4,028 yards and 26 touchdowns this season with a completion percentage of 66 percent on the season.  

Although he had an off couple of weeks, it seems as though he is rolling once more, and it will be tough to stop one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.

Oakland vs. Jacksonville Is a Trap Game

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Darrius Heyward-Bey #85 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Larry English #52 of the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28

The Jaguars are rather inexperienced in these do-or-die game situations.  If they are able to win this week against Oakland to stay atop the division until they face Indianapolis they will have accomplished a lot.

This Oakland game is sort of a trap game for the Jaguars.  It will be hard to not look ahead to the huge matchup against Indianapolis, and the odds of Oakland beating them just get higher.

Jacksonville Won The First Game

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 05: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks away from Chris Hope #24 of the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 5, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jaguars won 17-6. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

It's extremely hard for a team to sweep the Colts in the division.  In fact, the last time the Colts were swept by a divisional opponent came in 2002 when the Titans did it.

Look for the Colts to come out strong and try to avenge that earlier in the season loss.

All-Time Record Against Jacksonville

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Pierre Garcon #85 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball after a reception while defended by Chris Hope #24 of the Tennessee Titans during the NFL game at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo b

The Colts have dominated he Jaguars over the years.  They hold the all-time head to head record against Jacksonville 14-5.

The rivalry is storied, and if the Jags can figure out a way to pull out the victory in Week 15 against the Colts it would be huge for their franchise.  Although it would mean a lot, it's going to be hard for them to stop Manning and the high-powered Colts offense in this one.