On a cursory check, nine of the 13 NFL.com preseason analysts predicted the Colts make the Super Bowl in February (as a point of reference, Peter King predicted a Ravens/Packers Super Bowl XXXXX). At 4-5, one would typically scoff at the notion of the Colts even being a playoff threat. Instead, however, they are leading an atrocious AFC South and looking to host a wild card opponent with, at least, three more wins than Indianapolis.

Now look, you can only play the schedule that’s given to you. Fair enough. The Colts four wins are over TEN, JAX, HOU, and DEN. Besides the fact that they’re the only good team on that list, DEN doesn’t belong because they’re the only actual good team the Colts have defeated. And what did it take pull out a squeaker against a a playoff-caliber team? Just losing their star quarterback for a month with a lacerated kidney. But the reason for optimism, per Stampede Blue:

“But here’s the good news: the toughest part of the schedule is over.”

That’s right. Rematches against their AFC South opponents will take them to seven wins, plus Falcons, Bucs, Steelers (on primetime so mark your calendar!), and Dolphins should be good for two more wins. 9-7 is about right for Worst Division Conference Champions in recent seasons. Even if they get a dead cat bounce wildcard win, it’s hard to imagine them winning at N*w Engl*nd, Cincinnati, or Denver to advance deep in the post-season. And then Jim Irsay can finally fire Chuck Pagano and replace him with Hugh Freeze.

And this is all there really is to say about the 2015 Colts at the bye.