With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the Seahawks enter a dangerous must-win test against the Colts. DH

With playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) travel to Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) in a game that could define their 2025 season. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET on FOX.

For Seattle, it’s simple: win and stay firmly in the NFC wild-card race. Lose, and the margin for error disappears with just four weeks remaining. The Colts, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their faint postseason dreams alive in a crowded AFC South. Expect a desperate, physical battle when these two proud franchises collide.

Why This Game Is Truly “Must-Win” for Seattle

The Seahawks enter Week 15 holding the No. 7 seed in the NFC, but the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and even the surging Atlanta Falcons are breathing down their necks. A loss in Indianapolis would drop Seattle to 8-6 and potentially out of the playoff picture depending on other results.

Head coach Mike Macdonald’s team has won four of its last five, including impressive victories over the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets. The defense — led by Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, and rookie Byron Murphy II — is playing at an elite level, ranking top-5 in EPA per play over the past six weeks.

But road games have been a different story. Seattle is just 3-4 away from Lumen Field this season, and the Colts’ domed, climate-controlled environment neutralizes some of the 12th Man magic.

Colts’ Playoff Hopes Still Flickering — Barely

Don’t sleep on Indianapolis. Shane Steichen’s squad has won three of its last four at home and boasts one of the league’s most explosive offenses when quarterback Anthony Richardson is healthy and protecting the football.

Jonathan Taylor is back to his 2021 form, averaging 5.1 yards per carry over the last month and eclipsing 100 yards rushing in three straight games. Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie sensation AD Mitchell give Richardson legitimate downfield weapons, while a revitalized Colts defense — anchored by Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner, and rising star Nick Cross — has forced 12 turnovers in the last six weeks.

A win on Sunday keeps Indy within striking distance of the AFC’s final wild-card spot. A loss likely ends their season.

Key Matchups That Will Decide the Game

Seattle’s Pass Rush vs. Indianapolis’ Offensive Line

The Seahawks lead the NFL with 48 sacks. Leonard Williams (9.5 sacks) and Boye Mafe (8.0) have terrorized quarterbacks all year. Indianapolis’ interior — especially center Ryan Kelly and guards Quenton Nelson and Will Fries — has been solid in pass protection, but the tackles have struggled against speed rushers.

If Seattle can collapse the pocket and force Richardson into quick decisions, the turnover-prone second-year QB could give the game away.

Colts Run Game vs. Seattle’s Revamped Front Seven

Jonathan Taylor vs. the Seahawks’ run defense is appointment viewing. Seattle has improved dramatically against the run since early-season struggles, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry over the past five games. Rookie Byron Murphy II and veteran Johnathan Hankins have been stout at the point of attack.

Can Taylor find the cutback lanes that shredded the Titans and Patriots in recent weeks?

Geno Smith’s Deep Ball vs. Indy’s Improving Secondary

Geno Smith is playing the best football of his career, posting a 105.2 passer rating and 28 total touchdowns. DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett remain one of the league’s scariest receiving trios.

The Colts’ secondary has been opportunistic lately, with Kenny Moore II and Nick Cross combining for five interceptions in December. If they can limit yards after catch and force Smith into third-and-long situations, Indianapolis stays in the game.

Injury Report and Availability

Seahawks

• Questionable: RT Abraham Lucas (knee), WR Tyler Lockett (shin)
• Out: CB Tre Brown (hamstring)

Colts

• Questionable: QB Anthony Richardson (back – limited in practice)
• Out: EDGE Laiatu Latu (hip)

Richardson’s status is the biggest wildcard. If he’s limited or held out, veteran Joe Flacco would start — a major downgrade in mobility but an upgrade in experience and accuracy.

Coaching Edge: Macdonald vs. Steichen

This is a fascinating clash of young, ascending head coaches. Mike Macdonald’s defensive schemes have transformed Seattle into a turnover-creating machine. Shane Steichen has already proven he can win with both Richardson and Gardner Minshew under center.

Steichen holds the slight home-field advantage in play-calling creativity, but Macdonald’s aggression on fourth down and blitz packages could swing momentum.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

Seattle is a 3-point road favorite (as of Thursday evening), with the over/under sitting at 47.5. The line feels about right — this should be a one-score game either way.

The Seahawks are the better team on paper, especially if Richardson is less than 100%. Their pass rush should disrupt Indy’s rhythm, and Geno Smith has been clutch in December throughout his career.

Give me Seattle 27, Indianapolis 23.

The Seahawks escape Lucas Oil Stadium with a hard-fought road win, keeping their playoff destiny in their own hands heading into a brutal final three weeks (vs. Packers, vs. Vikings, @ Rams).

For the Colts, moral victories won’t cut it anymore. Jonathan Taylor will get his 100+ yards, but it won’t be enough against a Seattle defense that’s finally hitting its stride.

Buckle up, 12s. This Sunday in Indianapolis is exactly why we love December football.

Final Score Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 27 – Indianapolis Colts 23