Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers knows what’s at stake in Week 17. If the Colts can’t find a way to get into the postseason, Rivers knows Sunday could be his NFL final game.
That doesn’t mean 39, Rivers is ready to retire. He wants to continue his career after the 2020 NFL season, but knows he is not guaranteed a chance.
To be clear, he followed suit, saying it was not going to end. But he is an honest man and knows he has a business and recognizes his age.
– Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 30, 2020
Despite its age, the rivers have not shown a ton of decline this season. In 15 games, he throws for 4,005 yards, with 23 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He also led the Colts to a 10-5 record, proving they still have a bit of capacity left in the tank.
What would it take for the Colts to make the plates?
Rivers can stop those ideas with a win – and some help – in Week 17. There are a lot of scenarios that will push the Colts into the postseason. The team can still win the AFC South with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but only if the Tennessee Titans lose or tie against the Houston Texans.
If the Colts can’t win the AFC South, they can still secure a postseason spot if they win and lose one of the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins or Cleveland Browns or join 17th in the tie.
Will Philip Rivers play an NFL game in 2021?
At this stage of his career, Rivers is not a long-term option for the team. But in the right conditions, it can still thrive as a starter. He proved it all with the Colts all these seasons.
If the Colts don’t want to bring Rivers back, it’s possible he’ll be attacked with another team that doesn’t have to play the role of hero every week. The entry into the 40s is expected to be drastically reduced, with both Tom Br D and Drew Breeze playing well in recent seasons.
Rivers should have a chance to prove that he is still a capable player, but his margin for error will be very low, especially if a young, highly discussed draft pick is sitting behind the rivers on the depth chart.
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