Page 7 - Ardner Minshew News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

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.