NFL Power Rankings: Colts fall slightly during bye week

The Indianapolis Colts didn't play this weekend thanks to a much-needed bye week, so they stayed idle while other teams took the field.  It wasn't a particularly great weekend for the Colts other than the fact that they got a chance to get healthier, as both the Texans and the Jaguars notched wins to pull closer to the Colts in the AFC South race.

There also is some degree of uncertainty facing the Colts currently as they will be without quarterback Andrew Luck for the next few weeks as he recovers from a lacerated kidney and a torn abdominal muscle.  Matt Hasselbeck has already proven that he is capable of filling in, but now the Colts' playoff hopes may rest on him.  So there is that degree of uncertainty surrounding the Colts as well as they get ready for the second half and look to make a push to win the division and get into the playoffs.

First, though, let's take a look at where the Colts rank in this week's power rankings coming off of a bye week.

NFL.com's Elliot Harrison has the Colts at number 21, down three spots from last week:

It was a bye week in Indy -- wonderful for the overall health of guys like T.Y. Hilton and all the veterans on the roster. What's not so kittens and rainbows is that this Colts team was coming off its biggest win of the season. Sometimes, when everyone's playing well, players and coaches don't want the bye. That said, good health is ... good.

ESPN ranks the Colts number 17, also down three spots from a week ago:

Andrew Luck is out the next month, but Matt Hasselbeck is 2-0 as a starter this season and hasn't thrown an interception. Even at 4-5, the Colts aren't done.

Shutdown Corner's Frank Schwab ranks the Colts number 20, down two spots:

Three of their next four games are on the road. Will be interesting to see how they get through this stretch without Andrew Luck.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio has the Colts at number 18, exactly the same as last week:

It's a dead heat with Houston, and the Colts will for now be led by that quarterback who was "literally on his deathbed."

The Monday Morning Quarterback's Peter King ranks the Colts number 15, down six spots from a week ago:

I think Matt Hasselbeck can beat Atlanta, and I think he can win some games. But can he keep the Colts afloat for a month?

FOX Sports ranks the Colts number 19, down two spots:

The Colts should look to utilize a ball-control offense for as long as Andrew Luck is out for, and it sounds like his lacerated kidney injury could sideline him for at least a month.

Last but not least, SB Nation's Danny Kelly has the Colts at number 18, down one spot from last week.