Page 4 - Ardner Minshew News Today

After blowing out the Pittsburgh Steelers last week to move into a tie for first place in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts were feeling good about themselves as they tried to chase down a playoff spot in AFC. The Colts had won four in a row before a 20-point loss to the Bengals on Dec. 10 halted momentum. The solid play from the Steelers win carried over into the first possession of the game against the Falcons.

Arthur Smith's goal was for the Atlanta Falcons to remain relevant in the NFC South. Taylor Heinicke knew the best way to reach that goal was to avoid mistakes. Heinicke provided the turnover-free leadership at quarterback Atlanta has sought all season, passing for 229 yards and a touchdown to lead the Falcons to a 29-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons are relying on former backup quarterbacks as the teams headed in opposite directions prepare to meet on Sunday. The Colts (8-6) have won five of six with Gardner Minshew leading the offense to move into a share of first place in the AFC South. The Falcons (6-8) have benched turnover-plagued starter Desmond Ridder for the second time this season following two straight losses.

The Colts won the first 10 games of the series and also the past two. The Falcons' most recent win in the series was a 31-7 decision on Nov. 6, 2011, at Indianapolis. The Colts beat the Falcons in their most-recent trip to Atlanta, 24-21 in 2015 at the Georgia Dome.

Jobs are being won or lost, and futures are decided upon. It can only mean one thing: the NFL playoffs are just around the corner.

RUNNING BACKS Tier 1: Lineup locks — Christian McCaffrey (SF vs BAL) — Kyren Williams (LAR vs. NO) — Travis Etienne (JAX at TB) — Rachaad White (TB vs. JAX) — Breece Hall (NYJ vs. WAS) — Tony Pollard (DAL at MIA) — Isiah Pacheco (KC vs. LV) — James Cook (BUF at LAC) — Raheem Mostert (MIA vs. DAL) — Derrick Henry (TEN vs. SEA) — Devin Singletary (HOU vs. CLE) — Alvin Kamara (NO at LAR) Most of these guys are in sm...

Who are the best quarterbacks to enter the NFL in the past five years? Here's a look at our re-draft.

Mike Tomlin's confidence is unshakeable. “Fifty-one years of life, man, most of which have been in football, that’s probably what gives me confidence,” the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach said Monday. There have been late-season fades during Tomlin's 17 years on the sideline, just as there have been late-season surges.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the regular season – and any potential postseason games – for repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, the NFL announced Monday.

Joe Flacco was at home a month ago, all but ready to accept his 15-year NFL career might be over. Then came a phone call from his agent with an invitation to a workout with the Cleveland Browns. A commercial flight and practice-squad deal later, the former Super Bowl MVP has become an overnight hero for a team ravaged by injuries but still trying to maintain playoff hopes.