A critical showdown will be heading our way in Week 17 as the Indianapolis Colts host the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. They have faced each other four times in the last five years, with the Raiders and the Colts winning two games apiece. Who will prevail in this key AFC matchup? Here's a breakdown of the Raiders vs Colts clash.
Las Vegas Raiders installed as +8 underdogs
Las Vegas' playoff hopes remained very much alive after the Raiders recorded a thrilling 17-13 win over the Denver Broncos in their AFC West showdown in Week 16. The Raiders are currently in 10th place in the AFC standings with an 8-7 slate. They share the same record as the Miami Dolphins, who now hold the final wild card spot in the AFC.
The Raiders, who have won their last two games, will look to keep the momentum going against the Colts. For Las Vegas to grab its third consecutive win, the Raiders need to get a quality performance from Derek Carr. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 201 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the win against the Broncos.
The Raiders need to establish the run game against the Colts. They outgained the Broncos by 142 yards on the ground in Week 16. Josh Jacobs went berserk against Denver's defensive line, racking up 129 yards on 27 carries. That helped Las Vegas control the time of possession, with the Raiders holding the football for 36 minutes and 37 seconds in that Week 16 game.
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Indianapolis Colts enter Week 17 as -8 favorites
Indianapolis' late-season surge continued on Christmas Day with the Colts beating the Arizona Cardinals, 22-16, at State Farm Stadium. The Colts have now won six of their last seven games to jump to fifth place in the AFC standings with a 9-6 record. The Colts still have an outside shot of winning their division as they trail the Tennessee Titans by one game in the AFC South with two games left in the regular season.
The Colts managed to pull off the win despite missing four of their starting offensive linemen and last year's All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday. It took a total team effort for the Colts in Week 16, with Carson Wentz and Jonathan Taylor leading Indianapolis.
Wentz punished the Cardinals' secondary, completing 18 of 28 passes for 225 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Michael Pittman Jr. was his favorite target, catching eight passes for 82 yards. T.Y. Hilton also contributed in the win, nabbing four receptions for 51 yards and a score. Taylor, as expected, did major damage on the ground, running for 108 yards on 27 carries.
Writer's Prediction
Indianapolis wins and covers the spread.
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