Magic counts down to clinching — drops as you win or bubble teams lose. A tie is half a game.
Tragic counts down to elimination — drops as you lose or the chaser wins.
This week's rooting guide — Week 4
Live rooting guide — it updates as games go final, so items may disappear.
Showing this week's remaining games that can still affect your numbers.
Your game
If Colts beat Commanders this week, your Magic number -1.
Magic -1
If Colts lose to Commanders this week, your Magic number -1 and your Tragic number -1.
Magic -1Tragic -1
What-if explorer
Drag the sliders — the numbers recalculate instantly using the site's real playoff math.
If Colts go 2-3 while Broncos go 3-2:
Magic # 15→10Magic -5
Tragic # 14→11Tragic -3
Assumes these games come against teams outside your race; every other rival's record stays as-is.
Draft order outlook
If the season ended today they'd hold pick No. 7
in next year's draft — the NFL has no lottery, so the worst record picks first.
What is the Indianapolis Colts magic number right now?
The Indianapolis Colts magic number is currently 15. Any combination of Indianapolis Colts wins (a tie counts as half) and losses by the team chasing them that adds up to 15 clinches a playoff spot.
What is the Indianapolis Colts elimination number?
The Indianapolis Colts elimination number is 14. When it hits 0 the team is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It shrinks when the Indianapolis Colts lose or when the team chasing them gains ground.
What are the Indianapolis Colts playoff odds?
Based on 10,000 simulations of the remaining schedule, the Indianapolis Colts make the playoffs in about 25.9% of outcomes.
What is a magic number in football?
A magic number is the combined total of team wins and chasing-team losses that guarantees a playoff spot — a division title or one of the three wild cards in the conference. A tie counts as half a game. When it reaches 0, the spot is clinched no matter what happens in the remaining games.
When did the Indianapolis Colts last make the playoffs?
The Indianapolis Colts last made the NFL playoffs in 2020. They have missed 5 straight postseasons.
When did the Indianapolis Colts last win the Super Bowl?
The Indianapolis Colts have won 2 Super Bowls, most recently in 2006.
How often are these numbers updated?
Standings and magic numbers on Sports Magic Numbers refresh throughout the day and after every NFL game, so the numbers here reflect the live playoff race.