Any hope that the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) had of taking advantage of a generous final stretch of their schedule to sneak into the playoffs was nearly dashed at Gillette Stadium on Sunday as they eked past the New England Patriots (3-10) late by a score of 25-24.

The Patriots had victory in their hands until the final seconds of their 25-24 loss to the Colts. New England took a 24-17 early in the fourth quarter and Christian Gonzalez came up with an interception on Indianapolis’ ensuing possession,