Published Dec 12, 1:14pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 12, 1:14pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Dec 12, 1:14pm ET
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| Seattle Seahawks | -14 (-105) |
| Indianapolis Colts | +14 (-115) |
The Colts called Philip Rivers out of retirement and his post-playing career life as the patriarch of the Rivers Bunch (he's got 10 kids and is a grandfather) to try and drag them into the playoffs.
Rivers turned 44 on Dec. 8. He has not played in five years when, contrary to conventional wisdom, he finished his career as a Colt and not with the Chargers.
He was solid that year, helping Indy to an 11-5 record and a Wild Card playoff berth, where they lost to the Bills. Rivers had a 97.0 passer rating with 4,169 yards passing, 24 TDs, and 11 picks.
How long ago was Philip Rivers’ last NFL game?
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2025
The Colts’ 27-24 playoff loss at Buffalo had paid attendance of just 6,772 thanks to COVID protocols.
Rivers’ last TD pass was to Jack Doyle, who retired after the 2021 season.
pic.twitter.com/bD4zAYjCMP
Now, with Daniel Jones lost for the season with a torn Achilles, Anthony Richardson out with a broken orbital, and rookie Riley Leonard ailing with a knee sprain, there are indications that Rivers will start in Seattle.
Sounds like Philip Rivers is tracking to start Sunday at Seattle: https://t.co/ObsaMahJzY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2025
The questions about this are endless. And no one knows the answer. He looks a little heavy, but he was never a Greek God. There's talk about his lack of mobility at 44, but he was never mobile to begin with. His arm strength is reportedly still there.
With the Colts having lost three straight and, if the season ended today, being out of the playoffs, what do they have to lose? At least Rivers won't panic. If he has time in the pocket and a receiver gets open, he'll hit that receiver. With Jonathan Taylor providing the rushing attack, all they need is baseline competence at the QB position.
He might not be able to provide it.
But he might.
Star cornerback Sauce Gardner has a calf injury and is questionable.
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| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Daniel Jones, QB | INJURED |
| Anthony Richardson, QB | INJURED |
| Riley Leonard, QB | INJURED |
| Tyquan Lewis, DE | INJURED |
| Braden Smith, OT | INJURED |
| Anthony Gould, WR | INJURED |
| Sauce Gardner, CB | INJURED |
| DeForest Buckner, DT | INJURED |
| Charvarius Ward, CB | INJURED |
| Chris Lammons, CB | INJURED |
The Seahawks have won three straight to raise their record to 10-3. Their final four games of the regular season will determine whether they win the tough NFC West, get home-field advantage, and have a realistic path to the Super Bowl.
That starts with hosting the Colts...and Rivers.
In their last two games, Seattle outscored the Falcons and Vikings 63-9. QB San Darnold has rebounded nicely from his odious performance in a 21-19 loss to the 1st place Rams, throwing 4 picks. But on a positive note for the Seahawks, they came close to pulling it out. Another few yards on the final drive and kicker Jason Myers could have kicked the game-winning field goal.
The problem for Rivers against Seattle isn't age or rust. It's that the Seahawks are 4th in the NFL in defensive rushing yards per game, indicating that they can corral Taylor. They are 11th in the league in passing yards per game. Their pass rush is led by Byron Murphy, Leonard Williams, Uchenna Nwosu, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Rivers' biggest obstacle is avoiding the siege Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald is set to unleash.
9 guys within 5 yards of the ball 90% of the time
— Brock Huard (@BrockHuard) December 7, 2025
9-5-9
This @Seahawks defense is so relentless & so fast you see this formula come to life!
These Hawks are real pic.twitter.com/tQv3HYzyT0
A 3-1 record in their final four games will likely get them the top seed. Not only do they want it. They need it. Letting Rivers stop them would be an egregious gaffe.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Jalen Sundell, C | INJURED |
| Elijah Arroyo, TE | INJURED |
| Julian Love, S | INJURED |
| Dareke Young, WR | INJURED |
| Eric Saubert, TE | INJURED |
| Brandon Pill, DT | INJURED |
In Week 15 Colts-Seahawks, all anyone will talk about is Philip Rivers. The Colts have not outright said he's going to start, but they don't seem to have much of a choice. Even if Richardson were healthy, they would still be better off with Rivers. The question is whether he can get the ball away fast enough to avoid Seattle's pass rush.
Rivers has enough experience and arm strength that Indy will stay within striking distance. But Seattle will ultimately win not because of the Colts' offense, but because of their injury-battered defense. The spread is massive and the Colts will keep the game within 14 points.
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Indianapolis Colts +14
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