A season removed form being the NFL’s worst team, the Indianapolis Colts are 4-3 and in the playoff picture.

Yes, it’s still quasi-early but a win next week over Miami would put them at 5-3 and give them a good shot to reach nine wins in the maddeningly mediocre AFC.

AFC

#1 – Houston Texans (AFC South champion, bye)

#2 – Baltimore Ravens (AFC North champion, bye)

#3 – New England Patriots (AFC East champion)

#4 – Denver Broncos (AFC West champion)

#5  – Miami Dolphins (Wild Card)

#6 – Indianapolis Colts (Wild Card)

NFC

#1 – Atlanta Falcons (NFC South champion, bye)

#2 – Chicago Bears (NFC North champion, bye)

#3 – New York Giants (NFC East champion)

#4 – San Francisco 49ers (NFC West champion)

#5 – Minnesota Vikings (Wild Card)

#6 – Green Bay Packers (Wild Card)

PROPOSED, FICTIONAL TV SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 @ 4:30PM – #5 Minnesota Vikings  at #4 San Francisco (NBC)*

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 @ 8:00PM – #5 Miami Dolphins at #4 Denver Broncos (NBC)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 @ 1:00PM – #6 Indianapolis Colts  at #3 NE Patriots (CBS)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 @ 4:30PM – #6 Green Bay Packers at #3 New York Giants (FOX)

*Also known as the “Brad Nessler Game.”