NFL Power Rankings: Colts drop after blowout loss, but not as much as you probably expected

Colts cornerback Vontae Davis said it best when asked today how the Colts move on from their ugly loss on Sunday: "Look at a few plays... then burn the rest of the film."

That's the attitude that many Colts fans have as well after the team's 45-10 defeat on Sunday Night Football at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.  It was a very ugly loss that dropped the Colts to 6-6 on the season as Indy let Ben Roethlisberger throw all over them for the second straight season.  This time, however, Indy's offense didn't do anything either as they managed just ten points all game (and none in the second half).  To cap it all off, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (who is filling in for the injured Andrew Luck) was injured during the game and didn't finish, leaving Charlie Whitehurst to see some time in the fourth quarter.

All in all, it was a very forgettable game for Colts fans, but it's hard to forget when looking at where this team stands.  They're still in first place in the AFC South and face three division opponents in the final four games, so they still have a clear path to the playoffs.  But after a 35-point loss, how will the Colts fare in this week's power rankings?  Actually, it's probably not as bad as you'd think.  The Colts dropped in every power ranking that we looked at, but most only dropped them two spots - an acknowledgment that the Steelers are a better team and were expected to put up quite a few points on the Colts' defense.  Let's take a look at those power rankings to get an idea of where the Colts are at this week:

NFL.com's Elliot Harrison ranks the Colts number 14, down two spots from last week:

Not sure what people expect from this football team, given that they replaced their offensive coordinator last month, are playing five offensive linemen out of position and relying on a quarterback who hasn't been a starter since 2011. The fact that Indy has stayed competitive in the AFC South is a testament to the character of the team and the play of Matt Hasselbeck. Maybe Chuck Pagano -- about whom everybody speculates nonstop -- deserves some credit, regardless of Sunday night's blowout loss -- maybe his seat should be simply lukewarm. Thoughts, Colts fans?

ESPN has the Colts at number 16, also down two spots from a week ago:

Forget that 45-10 drubbing Sunday night. The Colts play three of their last four games against division opponents. The Colts have won 16 straight AFC South games.

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco ranks the Colts number 12, down two spots:

So much for all that talk that Matt Hasselbeck should keep the job. It was absurd babble-speak.

CBS Sports' Pat Kirwan has the Colts number 12 as well, down two spots from a week ago:

Matt Hasselbeck turned the ball over and lost for the first time this season. Getting Andrew Luck back will help, but they need to play better up front on both sides of the ball to finish the job and win the division.

Shutdown Corner's Frank Schwab ranks the Colts number 13, down two spots:

Matt Hasselbeck is no sure thing to start Sunday because of a neck injury. Charlie Whitehurst would be next up. It will be interesting to see how the Colts play this, because the Dec. 20 game against the Texans seems like a de facto AFC South championship game.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio ranks the Colts number 13 as well, also down two spots:

Andrew Luck's kidney is getting more and more unlacerated by the minute.

The MMQB's Peter King ranks the Colts number 15 on his Fine Fifteen, dropping them four spots (and breaking the string of everyone dropping them two spots):

What must Jimmy Irsay be thinking this morning? Other than, What progress have we made in the past 11 months?

FOX Sports has the Colts number 16, down four spots:

Plain and simple, Matt Hasselbeck and the Colts got run over by a much better team in the Steelers, but they're in the AFC South, so 6-6 is just fine.

SB Nation's Danny Kelly has the Colts at number 15, down two spots.