The Colts string of eight consecutive playoff appearances appeared to be in jeopardy after a week 13 loss to Dallas, but, despite numerous injuries, Indianapolis found its way into the postseason. Peyton Manning and company earned the three seed in the AFC after securing the South Division with a 10-6 record. The perennial contender is not among the favorites to win the Lombardi this season as the latest NFL Playoff Picks 2011 have the Colts listed at 10 to 1 odds to win the AFC Championship. Indianapolis Colts Odds to Win Super Bowl 2011 are presently listed at +1400 on the moneyline.
With four games left in the season, the
Colts stood an even 6-6 and a game back of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South. Indy had been banged up, losing running backs Joseph Addai and Donald Brown, tight end Dallas Clark, safeties Bob Sanders and Melvin Bullitt, and wide receiver Austin Collie for various periods of time. The results showed on the field as Peyton Manning struggled through one of the worst stretches of his career.
Indianapolis lost three straight games from November 21st through December 5th; Manning tossed eight touchdowns to 11 interceptions in route to a 77.2 passer rating during that lackluster run.
However, Manning and the Colts bounced back, as champions usually do, with a four game win streak to close out the season. Manning threw for 991 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions in Indy's final four outings (100.3 quarterback rating).
The Colts, which beat the Jets 30-17 in last year's AFC Championship, will host New York this Saturday in a Wild Card playoff at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis is presently a -2.5 NFL Odds favorite to win that game. Amazingly, the Colts are just 2-8 in home playoff games since Manning's arrival in 1998. The two victories came in last year's run to Super Bowl XLIV.
Indianapolis Colts Odds to Win 2011 Super Bowl:
To Win AFC Championship +1000
To Win Super Bowl XLV +1400
