The Raiders have won two straight games to keep themselves in contention to make the postseason but are still on the outside looking in.
Indianapolis has moved solidly into the Wild Card picture by winning six of its past seven games. The Colts, who are 9-6, are in the fifth position in the AFC due to holding a tiebreaker with New England.
Raiders at Colts Betting Analysis
On the Las Vegas side
The Raiders’ family will play this next game with a feeling of mourning. John Madden, who coached the team in Oakland, became an enduring part of the game due to his involvement with a video game series named and as a broadcaster. Las Vegas gutted out a 17-13 win over Denver last week, where it shut out the Broncos in the second half.
Offensively, the Raiders were able to succeed behind a strong push from its running attack. Josh Jacobs carried the ball 27 times against Denver for 219 yards.
Las Vegas’ offense has been more heavily skewed toward passing this season. The Raiders have passed the ball 559 times against 353 runs. Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr has passed for 4,363 yards.
The Raiders have a middle-of-the-road rushing defense, allowing their opponents to score 16 times on the ground while averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
On the Indianapolis side
The Colts, who have won three straight wins, will have some uncertainty regarding their quarterback this week. Carson Wentz tested positive for COVID and may still be able to play Sunday since the NFL adopted new protocols for returning to play.
Wentz’s career has been revitalized since he went to Indianapolis. Wentz has passed for 25 touchdowns against six interceptions, and he has passed for 3,230 yards.
Wentz’s performance has helped open things up for Jonathan Taylor, who leads the league with 1,626 rushing yards and scored 17 touchdowns. Indianapolis wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. leads the Colts with 971 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The Colts defense played without Darius Leonard last week, who was in health & safety protocols.
Overall, Indianapolis’ defense ranks 18th in yards allowed, giving up 5,190 yards. The Colts have covered up for the yards allowed by creating 31 turnovers, which is the second-best mark in the league.
Raiders at Colts Prediction
Indianapolis is emerging as one of the NFL’s most intriguing Super Bowl contenders. The Colts have a balanced offense and will look to take advantage of a Raiders’ team that has had their share of defensive issues. Top sportsbooks have installed Indianapolis as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5.
As with every game these days, it is difficult to nail down how the health and safety protocols will play a role on game day. Even with that in mind, the Raiders will keep this game close and cover the spread above a touchdown. Indianapolis will win and put pressure on the Titans in the AFC South race.