Falcons' playoff hopes stay alive with win over Colts

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Taylor Heinicke provided the turnover-free leadership at quarterback Atlanta has sought all season, passing for 229 yards and a touchdown to lead the Falcons to a 29-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The Falcons (7-8) benched Desmond Ridder this week for the second time this season following two straight losses, providing an opportunity for Heinicke to boost the team's fading playoff hopes.

Heinicke delivered, completing 23 of 33 passes, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts. Tyler Allgeier added a 31-yard touchdown run. The Falcons’ 29 points set a season high.

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The Colts (8-7) had won five of six to move into a first-place tie in the AFC South but struggled offensively after opening the game with a long drive capped by Jonathan Taylor's 1-yard scoring run.

Gardner Minshew faced frequent pressure from the Falcons' pass rush, including on an incomplete fourth-down pass from the Atlanta 38 with about 10 minutes remaining.

The Colts' next drive ended with Jessie Bates' interception of Minshew's pass over the middle intended for Alex Pierce. It was Bates' sixth interception of the season.

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) celebrates sacking Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Alex Slitz)

The Falcons' finish will determine the future of third-year coach Arthur Smith. Team owner Arthur Blank said this week he would wait until after the regular season to make a decision on Smith's status.

For the second time this season, Smith shaved