The Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts face off on Sunday in a Week 17 NFL showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium. When these two teams faced off in December of 2020 it was the Colts that won 44-27. This is a huge game for the AFC playoff picture.
Las Vegas comes into this game with an 8-7 record and they have gone 6-9 against the spread. In the last game against the Denver Broncos the offense could only score 17 points, but the defense was strong giving up only 13 points and that led to the victory. Las Vegas is averaging 21 points while their defense is giving up 25.8 points per game. Drew Carr is having another good season throwing for 4,363 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He is dealing with a rib injury but all signs point towards him going in this game.
On the other side of this matchup is the Indianapolis Colts who sit with a 9-6 record and they have gone 10-5 against the spread. In the last game they went on the road and were able to beat the Arizona Cardinals. The defense was good in that game giving up only 16 points. The Colts are averaging 28 points while their defense is giving up 21.07 points per game. Jonathan Taylor has been the star of the offense rushing for 1,626 yards and 17 touchdowns. In this game if the defense is strong again, the Colts will be in good shape to come away with a victory. Carson Wentz has tested positive for COVID and if he can't go it will be Sam Ehlinger who gets the start.
The Raiders are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games as a road underdog. The Colts are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games. The Raiders are 4-1 against the spread in their last five meetings in Indianapolis. The over is 4-0 in the last five meetings between the two teams.
The Raiders have found success in Indianapolis and it’s not going to be any different in this game. Look for Derek Carr to have a big game, and the Raiders defense is going to find a way to slow down Taylor. Back the Raiders to cover the spread.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
