Last year at this time, the Indianapolis Colts were coming off of a 10-6 season that ended in the divisional round of the playoffs. With the trio of GM Chris Ballard, coach Frank Reich and quarterback Andrew Luck, they looked like a team on the rise in the AFC.



The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, were coming off of a 12-4 season that also ended in the divisional round. Philip Rivers had turned in a brilliant year at the age of 37, completing 68.3% of his passes, averaging 8.5 YPA and throwing 32 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.



For fans of both franchises, that year probably feels like a decade ago. What’s happened in the last eight months is a good illustration of how quickly things can change in the NFL. Luck retired, Jacoby Brissett took over, and the Colts finished 7-9 after a promising start. Rivers and the Chargers agreed to part ways after a 5-11 season.



Now Rivers replaces Brissett, and the Colts hope he can help them make a playoff run during...