The Indianapolis Colts face a playoff-like game already in Week 3 of the 2026 season.
Even after Sunday's game, there are still 14 games left on the schedule for the Colts, but history tells us that a loss will nearly eliminate them from playoff contention.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, starting a season 0-3 has been nearly impossible to overcome.
"Since 2002, 102 teams have started their seasons by losing three consecutive games," Barnwell wrote. "Even if we expand our scope and treat the seventh seed from 2002 to 2019 as a would-be playoff team, just four of those 102 teams overcame their 0-3 start and finished in the playoff picture, for an advancement rate of 3.9%."
This upcoming matchup isn't only a potential elimination game for the Colts,
but also for their opponent, the Texans, who also enter Sunday at 0-2.
Not much has gone right for the Colts through two games, but the biggest issues begin with the defense, which has been mistake-prone while giving up a lot of points and yards. This has put the Colts' offense in some tough situations, often requiring this unit to play perfect football.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: History says Week 3 is a playoff-like game for Colts
