Raiders (7-8) at Colts (8-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
OTB at press time
Raiders’ keys to victory: Assuming rookie QB Aidan O’Connell will be under center, the key for the Las Vegas offense will be consistent pass protection. He can find success against Indy’s zoneheavy defense. Leaning on RB Josh Jacobs takes pressure off O’Connell, who should frequently target star WR Davante Adams. Meanwhile, WR Jakobi Meyers and rookie TE Michael Mayer can produce in the middle of the field. Defensively, DE Maxx Crosby will need to lead the pass rush. Whether Colts RT Braden Smith will play remains to be seen, but Crosby can be a one-man wrecking crew.
Colts’ keys to victory: Protecting QB Gardner Minshew is a necessity, as he struggles under heavy pressure. RB Jonathan Taylor needs to be featured between the tackles and as a receiver. WR Michael Pittman Jr. sat out Week 16 with a concussion. He will be a key piece if active, but rookie WR Josh Downs will need to step up from the slot regardless. A defensive line featuring DEs Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam must generate consistent pressure. S Julian Blackmon and CB Kenny Moore II will need to create turnovers.
Matchup to watch: Raiders DE Crosby vs. Colts’ offensive tackles. Indy has struggled against elite pass rushers this season. Crosby will be the main focus for the Colts offensive tackles because his performance can shift the tide either way.
Who wins? The Raiders have been a scrappy bunch under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, but the Colts are a playoff contender with a lot more on the line.
Colts, 24-20