Sunday, January 5, 2014

Patriots slated to host Colts in divisional round

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It has been decided.

The San Diego Chargers rolled past the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon in the AFC Wildcard round, setting the Indianapolis Colts up for a trip to Foxborough next Saturday night in a Divisional round showdown with the New England Patriots.

The Patriots' staff had prepared all last week for three possible opponents, but by Saturday night, they had a better idea of who they'd face.

Indy erased a 28-point deficit to oust the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday, and its next contest hinged on Sunday.

If the Bengals won, the Colts would've traveled to Denver to take on the Broncos, but if the Chargers won, the Colts' attention would shift to New England. The latter happened.

The Patriots last faced the Colts in Foxborough during the 2012 regular season, falling behind 14-7 in the first quarter before going on a tear the rest of the way for a 59-24 triumph.

Indianapolis was good that year but is much improved in quarterback Andrew Luck's second year calling signals.

Luck threw three interceptions against the Chiefs but finished as strong as ever with four second-half touchdowns -- three through the air and another on a fumble recovery. He also tossed a scored in the first half.

Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily