Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 things to watch in Week 17

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Running back Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for a 62-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Running back Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for a 62-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
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Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 05: Inside linebacker Denzel Perryman #52 of the Las Vegas Raiders gives his gloves to a fan as he leaves the field following the team’s 17-15 loss to the Washington Football Team during their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 5, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17, and here are three important things to keep an eye on in the matchup.

With their playoff lives on the line, the Las Vegas Raiders will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 17. This crucial AFC matchup is another hurdle for a Raiders team that squandered another strong start to the season, only to try and catch a miracle in the closing weeks.

They have gotten the job done the last two weeks, beating the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, but the Colts are another animal altogether.

Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 things to watch in Week 17

Who plays

In terms of the storylines going into this game, one of the key ones is who is actually going to be able to play on Sunday. Both the Raiders and Colts have massive COVID issues right now, but the good thing for Las Vegas is that their entire team is vaccinated, meaning they can post one negative test and play in Week 17.

On Monday, it was revealed that six members of the defense would go in the COVID protocol, including key defensive stars like Casey Hayward and linebacker Denzel Perryman. Both players are crucial if the Raiders hope to win on Sunday, and both would have had big days, considering the Colts may be without their entire offensive line.

Schedule