INDIANAPOLIS —The Indianapolis Colts' players and coaches are currently recharging their batteries during the bye week with an eye towards their next game: a visit from AFC South Division rival Tennessee Titans next Sunday, Nov. 26.
Although the team won't be looking beyond its next matchup, we can. Here's a quick peek at where the Colts' final three opponents of 2017 — the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans — stand as the NFL season approaches its three-quarter mark.(Colts' Upcoming Opponents: Weeks 12-14)Week 15 vs. Denver Broncos (3-6; T-3rd place, AFC West)
Thursday, Dec. 14 at 8:25 p.m., Lucas Oil Stadium
The Broncos, prior to visiting the Colts for a Thursday Night Football matchup, will have games vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, at the Oakland Raiders, at the Miami Dolphins and vs. the New York Jets.
Denver is currently enduring a five-game losing streak that saw Brock Osweiler replace Trevor Siemian at quarterback two weeks ago. The signal-caller depth chart had another adjustment this week as last year's first-round selection, Paxton Lynch, has returned from a preseason shoulder injury and will back up Osweiler against the Bengals.
Under first year head coach Vance Joseph the defense continues to be the Broncos' strength, currently ranking fourth in the League, giving up an average of 293.6 yards per game. Linebacker Von Miller leads the team with 8.0 sacks.Week 16 at Baltimore Ravens (4-5; 2nd place, AFC North)
Saturday, Dec. 23 at 4:30 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium
The following week for the Colts' offense gets easier, only having to face the Ravens' sixth-ranked defense in the league instead of the Broncos fourth-ranked unit.
In second place — and trying not to let the Pittsburgh Steelers jump out to an even larger AFC North division lead — Baltimore will travel to Green Bay, host the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions, and then travel to Pittsburgh and Cleveland before taking on Indianapolis at home.
The Colts are actually the Ravens' only non-AFC North foe during the final four weeks of the season, as they wrap up by hosting Cincinnati.Week 17 vs. Houston Texans (3-6; 3rd place, AFC South)
Sunday, Dec. 31 at 1 p.m., Lucas Oil Stadium
The Texans visit Indianapolis to conclude the 2017 regular season and still have one game apiece against each other member of the AFC South.
Houston's next six opponents in order include hosting the Arizona Cardinals, visiting the Ravens and Titans, playing at home against the San Francisco 49ers, at the Jaguars and a Christmas Day matchup vs. the Steelers before wrapping up the 2017 regular season with a New Year's Eve game against the Colts.
The Colts beat the Texans in Houston, 20-14, the first week of November as Jabaal Sheard strip sacked quarterback Tom Savage on the last play of the game with the Texans at the Indy seven-yard line, and T.Y. Hilton starred on offense with five catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
