The Indianapolis Colts can no longer follow Philip Rivers to the playoffs.

On Saturday, the Houston Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers. That result handed the Colts their official playoff elimination.

There are still two games to go, and that raises the question: What to do with Rivers now?

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Is Philip Rivers playing in Week 17?

Yes, Rivers is set to start for the Colts in Week 17.

He prepared this week as the starter with playoff possibilities still alive at the start of the week, so he’s the guy ready to take the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Why are the Colts starting Philip Rivers, not Riley Leonard?

There are plenty of reasons for this.

Some fans want Leonard, the sixth-round rookie, to give him a chance to develop.

But Rivers prepped this week as the starter. He also went out of his way to come out of retirement at age 44 to try and help the Colts.

This take from reporter Destin Adams is a solid one:

Ive seen alot of opinions on the matter floating around so here’s mine

If Rivers wants to play he should be the starter in Week 17

And I’d say do the same in Week 18 unless AR is magically ready to play

Leonard isn’t some future starter so I’m fine with Phil playing since…

— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) December 28, 2025

Maybe things will change in Week 18. But for now, Rivers is going to be under center for Indy.

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