The Indianapolis Colts has stood out in the AFC South in the most recent seasons. From 2003 to 2007 and then in 2009 the squad has been awarded the division championship. In 2008, the team did not finish first but managed to advance to the playoffs as one of the wild cards of the AFC.

The Colts only have two Super Bowl titles (1970, 2006) but are one of the leading teams in the National Football League. This is mainly due to good overall performance at the division level, where between 1968 and 2009 they have won thirteen titles. The Colts have had an important participation in the playoffs; between 1958 and 2009 the Colts have reached that stage of the competition in 23 occasions.

The Colts' performance has made them look like one of the big teams in the league but not necessarily as a favorite team to win the Super Bowl. This is mainly because since its last Super Bowl title in 2006, they have been able to reach the playoffs but failed to advance to the final. They succeeded in 2009, but New Orleans Saints broke their illusions and the Saints won its first ever Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLIV with a score of 31-17.

The Colts began the season with a 30-34 defeat at Houston Texans, one of their division rivals. Indianapolis rallied with two straight wins: they first crushed NY Giants 38-14 and then beat Denver 27-13.

In the fourth week, Jacksonville another divisional opponents, cut the Colts' streak defeating them by 31-28. Then the Colts record three consecutive wins that serve to defend the top spot in the division. Indianapolis beat Philadelphia 26-24 in the ninth week, but the Colts were then defeated by Cincinnati 23-17.

New England, San Diego and Dallas beat Indianapolis, respectively. At that time the Jaguars were second in the division with a record of 7-5. The Colts bravely defended the top spot in the AFC South division winners at the end of the next three games.

In their latest game the Colts defeated the Raiders 31-26 in Oakland. This puts them just one victory away from winning the division title. Indianapolis decided this game with three touchdown passes by Peyton Manning, a carry of 6 yards and a field goal from 30 yards. Manning completed 16 of 30 passes, recorded 179 yards and led his team to victory despite having suffered two interceptions.

Quarterback Jason Campbell of the Raiders completed 29 passes of 42 attempts for 231 yards and a touchdown.

Now Indianapolis (9-6) will play at home against Tennessee on Sunday 2 January. They will keep an eye out for what Jacksonville can do against the Texans.