MANHATTAN — The New York Jets have taken control of their own post-season destiny with a 29–15 win over the previously undefeated Indianapolis Colts.
The Jets now have a chance to snag a playoff spot for the first time since 2006 if they beat the Cincinnati Bengals at home next week.
The Colts, who have set a franchise record with their 23-game winning streak, were beating the Jets 15–10 in the third quarter. Indy Coach Jim Caldwell pulled many of his starters, including star quarterback Peyton Manning, in the third term.
Backup quarterback Curtis Painter had trouble, losing the ball on his own 20 yard line. New York's Marques Douglas recovered it for a touchdown, which the Jets would follow with a 2-point conversion to make the score 18-15.
The Jets sealed the win with a 43-yard field goal and another touchdown and two-point conversion in the fourth quarter.
"Indianapolis earned the right to do whatever they want," Jets coach Rex Ryan told the Associated Press. "That's a heck of a football team. We were just going to line up and play, one way or the other. Whoever was in a Colts uniform was who we were going to play against."
Next the Jets will attempt to gain a playoff spot by defeating the Bengals Jan. 3. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:20 p.m.
The New York Giants weren't as fortunate as the Jets. Their postseason hopes were dashed after an embarrassing 41-9 loss to the Carolina Panthers left them 8-7 for the season.
