Theoretically, Indianapolis had nothing to play for on Sunday.  They had already locked up a playoff berth for the tenth time in the past eleven seasons, and the AFC's fifth-seed, with last week's win over Kansas City.

But, regardless of the mathematical implications, the Colts had everything to play for in Chuck Pagano's emotional return to the sidelines.  Indy rewarded their head coach with a relatively easy 28-16 win over Houston, and in the process took away homefield advantage and a first round bye from the rival Texans. 

We've seen many jubilant, emotional, and celebratory locker room scenes for Indy this year, and finally, a happy (and healthy) Chuck Pagano got to be a part of one yesterday:

Thinking of where Pagano was in late September, and where the Colts appeared to be in late August, it's hard not to smile when watching this. 

Indy's incredible ride continues Sunday in Baltimore.