How will the Colts Approach Week 17?

[Keith]

Yep yep yep.

Here's something else... how about the theory that a team has to be "hot" going into the playoffs? Mostly bunk since 2006.

2011: Giants had to play the wildcard round after a 9-7 season, needing a 2-1 finish to get there. Not really applicable here since this was a largely experienced team returning, not much like the 2012 Texans.

2010: Packers were 10-6 and also had to play the wild card round. Went 2-2 down the stretch, not exactly lighting the world on fire.

2009: Saints, now this is a good one. They were 13-0 then lost their last three in a row.

2008: Steelers finished 12-4, finished 1-1.

2007: Giants 10-6, finishing 1-2, including that loss to the undefeated Patriots in the regular season finale.

2006: Colts were 12-4, but finished 2-3.

Now, from 2000-2005, those Super Bowl teams really did finish strong, at least following those two Bronco Super Bowl teams before them that didn't.

Bottom line, if the Texans win Sunday and close the season with a 2-2 stretch, it won't mean squat regarding their Super Bowl chances. In fact, if recent history is an indicator, it might not be such a bad thing at all to understand how to react to a little adversity. Since 2006, Super Bowl winners were a combined 8-12 down the stretch.