The Indianapolis Colts (6-8) barely play for the postseason. Sure, they need to win these last three games, plus a lot more needs to happen elsewhere in the AFC for them to get in. At this point, however, they still need to play for pride more, which is why they host AFC South division rivals Tennessee Titans (3-11) in the crosshairs Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts have been embarrassed at times this season, but emerged from a low point last week with an ugly loss that nearly put the nail in the coffin of their season. Now they have their second-to-last home game against another AFC South team that usually ends up being fiercely competitive.

Will the Colts defense maintain its high level of play from last week as quarterback Anthony Richardson catches up and keeps up with the energy? Or, as has been the case all year, will only one side of the ball (or none) emerge, leaving spectators frustrated and underwhelmed?

That’s how it works Horseshoe Huddle The staff looks at how things will play out for the Colts in their home game against the Titans in Week 16, with our roundtable of six analysts thinking the Colts will come away with a clear win. It wasn’t easy for the Colts to earn analysts’ trust in 2024, but as rocky as things were for Indy, things were even worse for Tennessee.

Sean Ackerman (@shnackerman): Indianapolis has yet to win a game by more than one point this season. Nothing will change in the divisional battle this weekend. At the very least, the Colts could beat the Titans for the second year in a row. Richardson and Jonathan Taylor will have to play mistake-free football to keep the Lucas Oil win.
Choose: Colts 23, Titans 20

Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL): While the Colts often drop the ball against winning teams, they clean up against bad teams, even when it’s difficult. Their six wins have come against teams with a combined record of 30-55 (.545), including a 20-17 victory over the Titans in Week 6. I don’t think the Colts can get away with this, but they will win as Richardson has a cleaner day and Taylor atones for his fatal faux pas from last week.
Choose: Colts 21, Titans 13

Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2): The Colts are a broken team after blowing their last chance at the playoffs this season, but the Titans are struggling big time this year. The Colts should have enough to beat a bad Titans team, especially on defense with Mason Rudolph in the starting lineup.
Choose: Colts 21, Titans 17

What happens next for the Colts? Don’t miss any more news and analysis! Take a second and Sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

Jared Koch (@jjaredkoch): The Colts fell short against the Colts last Sunday when it mattered most Denver Broncosbut I think it will be quieter this week sledding against an inferior team like the Titans. Tennessee is on a three-game losing streak, ranked in the NFL’s last six games in offense and defense, and faces a quarterback change in Week 16. If Indianapolis somehow drops this one, it won’t be pleasant. The Colts take care of Lucas Oil against the Titans.
Choose: Colts 21, Titans 16

Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL): After imploding against the Broncos, the Colts desperately need to recover and build some momentum. Since the Titans are doing worse than Indy, Sunday’s duel is the perfect opponent. Look for Richardson to have a rebound game and use his legs more against a Titans defense that is struggling to contain quarterback battles. If the Colts defense can contain Tony Pollard, this should be a convincing home win.
Choose: Colts 27, Titans 17

Drake Wally (@DWallsterDrake): The Colts showed the world a poor game against the Broncos, but the Titans have almost no offensive fire, giving Indy’s defense an advantage. Additionally, Tennessee can’t get to the quarterback and Richardson avoids sacks, so he has time. The Colts get back in the win column.
Choose: Colts 27, Titans 17

Keep following Horseshoe Huddle Facebook And Xand subscribe YouTube for multiple Colts live stream podcasts per week.