The Associated Press

The Indianapolis Colts want to change their image.

After losing five straight playoff games and not winning a division title since 1999, the Colts hope to prove during this season's final month that they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Four solid weeks would provide the momentum and confidence they'd like going into the playoffs. But a victory Sunday at Tennessee would give them a more significant edge - the inside track to the AFC South title.

"This is as big a game as we've had here in six years," kicker Mike Vanderjagt said. "We either win the division or we'll be a wild-card team again - and I don't want to be a wild-card team again."

A win would give them a good shot at hosting only their second postseason game since moving to Indianapolis in 1984.

A loss would mean they'll need help to win the division crown and would more likely force them onto the road in January as, yes, a wild-card team for the sixth time in their last seven playoff appearances.

While some coaches dissuade postseason talk even now, with the regular season winding down, coach Tony Dungy has always embraced it.

His weekly meetings usually include a line about playoff possibilities, whether it's the failures of teams that have crashed after quick starts or the implications of potential tiebreakers. He's not changing anything this week.

With the Colts' back-to-back games against division leaders, Dungy has instead encouraged his players to adopt a playoff perspective.

"It's a December game for the playoff lead with a lot of ramifications," he said. "I think you have to approach it that way."

To cement their place as a Super Bowl contender, the Colts figure they must win late this season.

"In a sense it is like a playoff game because it's big," defensive end Chad Bratzke said. "In a sense it isn't because it's not single-elimination. But when you see that only two wild-card teams have won the Super Bowl in 30-some years, it could put you in good position."

DOLPHINS: Linebacker Zach Thomas (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game at New England.

REDSKINS: Quarterback Patrick Ramsey (foot) didn't practice Thursday. Coach Steve Spurrier called Ramsey "very doubtful" for Sunday's game against the Giants.

BILLS: Quarterback Drew Bledsoe returned to practice a day after experiencing dizziness from a second hit to the head in consecutive weeks. His status is unclear for Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

TITANS: Cornerback Samari Rolle was fined $12,500 by the NFL for a throat-slash gesture and celebrating an interception against the New York Jets. He said he plans to appeal both fines.

• Defensive end Jevon Kearse (ankle) practiced Thursday for the first time since Nov. 16, while receiver Drew Bennett (calf) participated in his first practice since Oct. 26.

Quarterback Steve McNair, who didn't practice at all last week, took some snaps as he split work with backup Billy Volek.

TEXANS: Quarterback David Carr (shoulder), and running back Domanick Davis (thigh) are questionable for Sunday's game against Jacksonville.