Colts boost playoff chances with huge win over Steelers
The Steelers went from the No. 7 seed to the 12th spot
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Indianapolis Colts were ousted from the AFC playoff picture Saturday, but only temporarily.
The Cincinnati Bengals' win earlier Saturday gave them the sixth seed, jumping four teams in the AFC playoff picture and knocking the Colts from the No. 7 seed to eighth.
But the Colts' 30-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers returned the Colts to the seed they began the day with.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}And the Steelers are in trouble.
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Tyler Goodson (31) and D.J. Montgomery (2) of the Indianapolis Colts celebrate after Montgomery's receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Things didn't start off well for Indy after they missed a field goal on their first possession and had a punt blocked. The Steelers capitalized on both with touchdowns to go up 13-0.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}But the Colts' defense stepped up and held Pittsburgh scoreless the remainder of the afternoon.
Indianapolis was up 14-13 at halftime. Early in the third, the Colts forced a fumble inside Pittsburgh's 20-yard line, and Gardner Minshew found Mo Alie-Cox for a touchdown. Indianapolis then kicked two field goals to go up 27-13.
Indianapolis Colts fans cheer during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The win did come at a cost, though. Michael Pittman Jr. suffered a concussion after a nasty hit, and Zack Moss left the game with an arm injury he suffered on a rushing touchdown.
In place of Moss, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson combined for 157 yards on 26 carries. Minshew went 18-for-28 with 215 yards and touchdowns to Moss, Allie-Cox and D.J. Montgomery.
Mitch Trubisky struggled for Pittsburgh, and Mason Rudolph entered the game with roughly two minutes left.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}With the loss, the Steelers dropped five spots in the standings and are now 12th in the AFC despite being 7-7.
Tyler Goodson (31) of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after rushing for a first down during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis travels to Atlanta to play the Falcons on Christmas Eve, while the Steelers face the Bengals.