It actually has nothing to do with SD... it's Baltimore and NE that Indy is worrying abt. Yes, their starters will play the whole game, and NE plays earlier than us and Baltimore plays at same time (against the Bills).
If NE wins their early game, the Colts MUST beat us to stay ahead of NE for home field, should they meet in playoffs.
Only way Colts don't play starters all game is if NE loses early game, and Baltimore is clearly blowing out the Bills. Indy can still grab #2 spot for 1st rd bye...