Pagano was a defensive coach with the Ravens from 2008 until 2011, as both a secondary coach and defensive coordinator. This Sunday, the rookie head coach will lead this upstart Indianapolis team back to the not-so friendly confines of a Baltimore franchise that used to wear the blue horseshoe themselves. It’s a story that seems more out of a sports movie than real life, but the uncanny adventure continues, regardless.

Pagano inspired his home fans by returning to the sideline last week, for the first time since September. His return to Baltimore will surely be a little bittersweet. The Colts coach will almost certainly get many more hugs and handshakes from his former team before and after Sunday’s playoff game, but all respect aside, there is a job to be done. Pagano and the Colts will be looking to end Baltimore’s season, in hopes of advancing towards a title.

With a sloppy but successful 20-13 road win against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Indianapolis Colts have punched their ticket for the AFC Playoffs. This achievement is astounding in its historical significance, and unheard of in this league. After a dismal 2-14 season, and a complete overhaul of the organization, the Colts have returned to the posteason. After only one year of missing the playoffs, and residing at the bottom of the league, Indianapolis will once again have a chance at another championship.

This franchise has found themselves in rarefied air all year. It could be said that the Colts are playing with house money, and that no matter what happens with them in the playoffs, this season has been a success. As much of a prestigious accomplishment as this achievement is, the Colts will still need work, if they want to succeed from here on out. Making the posteason is not enough for this young and hungry team. This never-say-die squad wants to work and improve to move on, and they will have to do just that.

Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots
San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts

I’m stoked how this played out! I’m confident that the Colts can beat the Chargers as we almost won had Vinatieri not missed that field goal. Need I remind you that we played the Pats the week before and that was during our “darkest days” of the season? The Colts were just starting to feel the effects of life without half of their starters and they were still up by 10 against “the best team ever.” They almost beat the Chargers banged up and bruised so they’ll have to work at losing this weekend. Except for LaDanian Tomlinson – arguably, the greatest RB-in-the-making to take a handoff - and a decent Chargers defense, the Colts should win this by the end of the Q3.

This is what we’re looking at now in the AFC:

1. Patriots
2. Colts
3. Steelers
4. Chargers
5. Jaguars
6. Titans

And just for good measure, here’s your NFC playoff picture, so far:

1. Cowboys
2. Packers
3. Seahawks
4. Buccaneers
5. Redskins
6. Giants

I’ll always root for Eli for obvious reasons, but I’m pulling and have been pulling for a Brett Favre Super Bowl appearance (notice I said appearance as I think the Colts will beat them).