Building on Philip Rivers' activation from the practice squad amid the Colts' quarterback injury crisis, the 44-year-old Hall of Fame semifinalist is set to make his return—1,800 days after his last game—against Seattle's stout defense, with bettors heavily favoring the Seahawks.
Rivers, who joins Brett Favre as a grandparent starting QB and becomes the fourth-oldest starter in NFL history, steps in after injuries sidelined Daniel Jones (Achilles), Anthony Richardson (orbital), and Riley Leonard (knee). The Colts (8-5, three straight losses) host challenges for the veteran at Lumen Field on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+).
Seattle (10-3) enters as 13.5-point favorites (o/u 42.5, DraftKings), with the No. 2 defense in points allowed, yards per carry, and third-down stops (sixth in red zone). LB Ernest Jones has 94 tackles and five INTs; WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 1,428 yards (7+ catches in 9/13 games). QB Sam Darnold: 68.1% completion, 22 TD/11 INT.
Indy's hopes rest on RB Jonathan Taylor (NFL-leading rusher, 72.3 YPG since Week 10 breakout; o/u 75.5 in parlays). SportsLine projects Seahawks 29-17 win (over hits 59%), with experts picking Seattle to cover but some eyeing under 40.5.