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Playoff race rolls into Indy, pairs Colts, Steelers in Saturday showdown

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Playoff race rolls into Indy, pairs Colts, Steelers in Saturday showdown


Firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada was not the solution to the multiple problems plaguing the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offense, if the past two games are any indication.

After breaking a 58-game streak of not gaining 400 yards in a game in a Nov. 26 win at Cincinnati, Pittsburgh has been dismal in consecutive home losses to Arizona and New England. The Cardinals and Patriots strolled into Acrisure Stadium as two-win teams, and left with shocking wins.

That leaves the Steelers with little time to answer the riddle of what will fix the offense. The challenge on the road Saturday is slowing down the Indianapolis Colts in a game dripping with playoff implications.

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The Steelers and Colts are among six teams in the AFC with 7-6 records. The Cleveland Browns are 8-5 and in the AFC’s top wild-card spot.

“I’m not necessarily looking for power positive messages in an effort to build them up,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “I’m probably taking the opposite approach and talking about how urgent you know these weeks and opportunities in games are because the road is getting narrower. We’re moving into the middle of December now and so that’s just acknowledging the truth. Opportunities to establish your position in these games are big. This one’s big, big for us and big for them.”

Pittsburgh’s 21-18 loss to New England on Dec. 7 came after the Steelers fell behind 21-3. Backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky misfired on a fourth-down pass from the Steelers‘ 49 with 1:55 left, quashing their last realistic chance to pull of a comeback.

Fans who blasted Canada and Tomlin for offensive ineptitude haven’t been the only ones upping the volume this week. Last week’s game was the last straw for former Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who won two Super Bowls and never endured a losing season in his 18-year career. Roethlisberger criticized Tomlin and questioned the motivation of players.

“I’ve felt that certain guys on the team aren’t in it for the team, they’re in it for themselves,” Roethlisberger said on his podcast. “Well, now some of the guys on the team are saying the same thing … maybe the tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers is done.”

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Against that backdrop, Trubisky gets another go under center because Kenny Pickett (ankle) has been ruled out again. Pickett underwent surgery on his injured ankle following the Steelers‘ 24-10 loss Dec. 3 to Arizona. Trubisky was 22 of 35 against New England for 190 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Indianapolis (7-6) probably feels better about its backup quarterback, Gardner Minshew, based on his strong performance of late. But the Colts also missed a chance to create separation and move closer to Jacksonville in the AFC South when they lost 34-14 on Sunday in Cincinnati.

Slowing down Minshew is more difficult if Steelers outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith remain in concussion protocol. Highsmith was injured in the first half of last Thursday’s game, while Watt reported concussion-like symptoms Friday and was placed in the league’s concussion protocol.

Tomlin said the Steelers can only “rely on the medical experts in terms of their availability.”

Minshew was 26 of 39 against the Bengals, amassing 240 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Since replacing rookie Anthony Richardson as the starter in October, Minshew is completing 61.7 percent of his passes with eight interceptions in 295 attempts. He is at 63.2 percent on the season.

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But last week’s result has ratcheted up the sense of urgency for Colts, according to wide receiver Michael Pittman.

“Last game, we just didn’t get it done,” Pittman said. “We were fortunate that everybody except Tennessee lost in the AFC South. We’re kind of in the same spot but we did miss an opportunity to gain ground.”

Pittman has at least eight receptions in each of his past six games. One more game of at least eight receptions would make Pittman is the sixth player ever to do so in seven consecutive games.

With Jacksonville just a game ahead in the division, Indianapolis can help itself on two fronts with a victory. The opportunity exists for a fast finish as none of the Colts‘ final four opponents boast records better than 7-6.

The Steelers own a 21-6 advantage in the all-time series with eight straight wins. They’ve won five in a row in Indianapolis, including a 24-17 decision last year.

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—Field Level Media



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How much snow is Indianapolis going to get Friday? What to know

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How much snow is Indianapolis going to get Friday? What to know


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Snow is expected to fall around Indianapolis for a couple of hours after what started as a light rain early Friday morning turned into light snow showers about 10 a.m.

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Central Indianapolis can expect up to an inch of accumulation, which could make for slick roads.

Meteorologists with NWS Indianapolis expect the snow to taper off around 1 to 2 p.m., with temperatures remaining in the lower 30s and dropping into the upper 20s this evening.

The NWS Indianapolis is also warning drivers to be careful this afternoon once the snowfall begins to end.

“It could result in some slippery surfaces through the afternoon,” meteorologist Jason Puma said — especially on untreated roads.

Will it snow for tonight’s IU vs. Notre Dame game?

For anyone wondering if tonight’s Battle for Indiana will be blessed with snow?

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Meteorologists believe that tonight’s game will most likely not be snowy, but there is a chance light snow showers could periodically fall over Notre Dame Stadium.

“By that time the precipitation should move out of the area, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of snow going on during the course of the game in South Bend,” Puma said.

“It certainly will be cloudy and colder. There could be some light showers and flurries in the area, but we’re not expecting a big snow.”

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Either way, the College Football Playoff’s first round will be worth a watch as it will be the first time in over 30 years Indiana football and Notre Dame have faced off.

Indianapolis and Indiana road conditions

Drivers can stay up to date on information about local road conditions by visiting the Indiana Department of Transportation online portal at 511in.org. The website features real-time traffic conditions, alerts and hazards. Viewers also can check traffic cameras and see where road crews are active.

Weather Map

Weather info you need

🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.

⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.

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💻 Internet outages: How to track them.

🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.

🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.



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NFL Week 16 predictions, expert picks: Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts

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NFL Week 16 predictions, expert picks: Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts


The Indianapolis Colts host the Tennessee Titans in NFL Week 16 action as the Colts cling to slim AFC playoff hopes.

Both teams are coming off dispiriting losses. The Colts (6-8) made two huge blunders (here, here) in a disastrous second half against the Denver Broncos. The Titans (3-11) switched quarterbacks as they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Colts beat the Titans 20-17 in Week 6, but each team’s quarterback will be different this time around.

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Want more Colts coverage? Nate Atkins, Joel A. Erickson and Gregg Doyel track the team all season, and sign up for IndyStar’s Colts newsletter.

NFL Week 16 expert picks, predictions: Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans

Nate Atkins, IndyStar: Titans 20-17

“The Colts are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Broncos that erased a clear lane to make the playoffs. That emotional toll will show up on Sunday in a subdued home atmosphere as the Titans come out swinging to prove they’re not the soft team they’ve been accused of lately.”

Joel A. Erickson, IndyStar: Colts 20-16

“Tennessee’s not as much of a wild card with Will Levis on the bench, but the Titans still have one of the NFL’s worst offenses with Mason Rudolph at the helm. The Colts have generally taken care of bad teams this season outside of cursed locations like Jacksonville.”

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Gregg Doyel, IndyStar: Colts, no problem

“Colts aren’t very good, but the Titans are a whole other level of bad. Colts win. Won’t be close.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Colts 24-17

“The Colts are alive in the playoff race − barely. The Titans are done and might be making a quarterback change. The Colts did some good things in losing to the Broncos last week in a game they should have won. They bounce back here. Colts take it.”

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Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: Titans 22-21

“The well-coached and feisty team that head coach Shane Steichen fielded last season has devolved to the point where a series of blunders now defines its current status. None of this even includes the continuing development of quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose ups and downs are so drastic that a bouncing bumble can be overwhelmed.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Colts 21-18

“These teams combined for 11 turnovers last week. Will Levis committed four turnovers in Week 15, and Mason Rudolph was not much better. The Colts committed five turnovers in their loss to Denver. Anthony Richardson had two interceptions. This one literally comes down to who protects the football, and it feels like a one-score game either way.”

Vic Tafur, The Athletic: Titans cover the spread

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“The Colts were cruising to a victory last week when Jonathan Taylor dropped the ball before scoring a touchdown, and it was the first of a series of unforced errors. Their playoff chances took a big hit with the loss, though it would have been hard to make it the way Anthony Richardson is throwing the ball. Story time: The stats dudes started charting inaccurate throws in 2000. There have been 777 quarterbacks who have thrown at least 250 passes in a season. At 17.7 percent, Richardson comes in at No. 776. But he will be playing Sunday. The Titans’ Levis will not, being benched Wednesday for Mason Rudolph. Does it matter? Nah. The Titans will be able to run the ball better than the Colts, when you look at the defenses, and would have lost by a field goal and covered with Levis, too.”

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Colts 26-16

“The Colts need more help than a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs to make the postseason, but they will continue to cling to those hopes as long as St. Elmo continues to make the best shrimp cocktail. By the way, do you need reminded the Colts beat the Steelers earlier this season?”

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Titans 24-21

“The air went out of Indy’s balloons when Jonathan Taylor dropped the ball short of the goal line. Throw in Tennessee coach Brian Callahan’s epic rant in response to a question about the team being soft, and it’s just enough for the Titans to get another win.”

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Dan Parr, NFL.com: Colts 24-21

“Here we have two teams that bungled their way to a combined 11 turnovers in their double-digit defeats last week. Sunday’s meeting will probably be at least a little less messy because the Titans made a change at quarterback − benching the giveaway-plagued Will Levis for Mason Rudolph − and I don’t think Jonathan Taylor will ever let go of the ball like he did last week. The unfortunate thing for Tennessee fans is they have already seen this movie and the ending still left a lot to be desired. When Rudolph started three contests earlier this season, he threw at least one INT in each outing and the Titans averaged 14.7 points per game, which is 4.4 points fewer than they average in Levis’ starts. Who will play the cleaner game? I don’t have much confidence that Anthony Richardson is up to the challenge, with four picks in his last two games, but Indianapolis has taken care of business against sub-.500 teams (5-1) and the defense allowed a season-low 3.2 yards per play to go along with three INTs last week. I’m grasping at straws and taking the home team.”

Colts-Titans betting odds

via BetMGM

Favorite: Colts by 3.5 points

Colts are 8-6 against the spread, failing to cover in five of their past six games; the Titans are 2-12 ATS.

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Over/under: 42.5 total points

Six Colts games have gone over, seven under, and last weekend’s game was a push; eight Titans games have gone over, six under (three of the last four have gone over).

Moneyline: Colts -190, Titans +155

When do the Colts play the Titans in NFL Week 16?

1 p.m. ET Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

How to watch Colts vs Titans in NFL Week 16

CBS, with Tom McCarthy (play-by-play), and Ross Tucker and Jay Feely (analysis).

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How to stream, watch Titans-Colts game for NFL Week 16

The Colts-Broncos matchup will stream on Paramount+ at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. The app is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Fans can also download NFL+ in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

How to listen to NFL Week 16 Titans-Colts game on radio, streaming

Radio: 93.5, 97.1, 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with Matt Taylor (play-by-play), Rick Venturi (analysis) and Larra Overton (sideline reporting)

Streaming: SiriusXM Channels 231 and 813

What a deal!: Watch Colts-Titans on Fubo

Colts-Titans common opponents

The Colts (4-7) beat the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and New England Patriots, and have lost to the Houston Texans twice, as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills.

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The Titans (3-7) beat the Dolphins, Patriots and Texans, and have lost to the Bears, Jets, Packers, Bills, Lions, Vikings and Jaguars.

Colts-Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium

At Lucas Oil Stadium: Tickets start at $23 on StubHub

Colts 2024 schedule

all times ET

Sept. 8: Texans 29, Colts 27

Sept. 15: Packers 16, Colts 10

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Sept. 22: Colts 21, Bears 16

Sept. 29: Colts 27, Steelers 24

Oct. 6: Jaguars 37, Colts 34

Oct. 13: Colts 20, Titans 17

Oct. 20: Colts 16, Dolphins 10

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Oct. 27: Texans 23, Colts 20

Nov. 3: Vikings 21, Colts 13

Nov. 10: Bills 30, Colts 20

Nov. 17: Colts 28, Jets 27

Nov. 24: Lions 24, Colts 6

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Dec. 1: Colts 25, Patriots 24

Dec. 15: Broncos 31, Colts 13

Dec. 22: vs. Tennessee, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 29: at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m., Fox

Jan. 5: vs. Jacksonville, TBD

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Colts’ Superstar Sounds Off on Anthony Richardson

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Colts’ Superstar Sounds Off on Anthony Richardson


It’s been a whirlwind of a season for second-year Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, as he’s been tasked with navigating through the trials and tribulations that a young, developmental signal caller faces at the NFL level.

However, through the steep turbulence the Colts and Richardson suffered early on in the season, it’s been clear that the players in the locker room have had his back during the process– especially the Colts’ veteran leader, DeForest Buckner.

Ahead of the Colts’ dire battle against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Buckner sounded off on how he’s tried to help Richardson throughout his roller-coaster second season pro, per Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan:

“Him being a young player and the stage that he’s on and the pressure that he has, I can’t relate to that. I’m not a quarterback,” Buckner said. “I can relate to it as a former first-round pick, being a team’s first pick, having all these high expectations for the guy and coming in, and that type of pressure. But also, he is essentially the franchise quarterback, the guy that they brought in to be the guy to lead this team, the city, to wins.”

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The first half of the season was far from Richardson’s best. During his six games as QB1 before being benched for poor performance, he had a 44.6% completion rate, a 4-7 touchdown-interception ratio, and paired it with an ugly six fumbles lost. It placed Joe Flacco in line to start for a short two-game stint before ultimately seeing Richardson back in line under center.

Yet, throughout such a shaky time in Richardson’s early career, Buckner made sure to have his signal caller’s back, trying to throw a bit of advice his way as one of the most prominent leaders of this Colts roster.

“I just felt I needed to speak up and tell him how I felt,” Buckner continued. “Even though he was benched, I still believe, and [the team] also believed he needs to know that, especially as a young player. But also know that the standard wasn’t being met and that he needs to pick it up. I feel like he responded well to that.”

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In his four games back from his benching, things haven’t been perfect, but Richardson has shown some positive strides in the right direction.

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He’s led two game-winning drives during the Colts’ two wins across that stretch, emerged as one of the top rushing threats at quarterback in the NFL, and continues to showcase a couple of explosive moments on a week-to-week basis. Despite coming out of the gates for this season a bit rattled, Richardson has taken the criticism and gotten back on track.

“He’s shown the team on a consistent basis that he’s all in for the team,” Buckner stated. “He’ll do whatever it takes for the team to get these wins and to be the best player he can be. I’ve been very proud of him for everything that he’s done so far, and just the way he responded, really, that’s the biggest thing.”

“A lot of guys say they want to be great, and when when you get criticism from your peers or coaches, some young guys tend to get defensive with little things,” Buckner said. “But he just took it, he ran with it, learned from it and grew. So I’m just proud that he’s grown so far.”

Richardson will have another opportunity to show some forward progress in the Colts’ upcoming home bout on Sunday vs. the Titans, where Indianapolis hopes to sweep their division rival for the second-straight season.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

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Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.





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