Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 things to watch in Week 17
By Brad Weiss
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1291103875-850x560-423f8d192955978978a5b08fa1ead0318320b590570cffefefbaaea10958003f.jpg)
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 things to watch in Week 17
The young running backs
All season long, the Raiders have struggled to get consistent play from their running backs, specifically third-year back, Josh Jacobs. Making his first Pro Bowl in 2020, many expected a breakout season from Jacobs, but instead, he has yet to rush for over 100 yards in a game in any contest this season.
That all changed in Week 16, as Jacobs ran all over the Denver Broncos tough run defense, en-route to his first 100-yard game of the season. All told, Jacobs ran nearly 30 times, had over 125 yards, and ran with the kind of speed, and power that the entire fan base has been waiting for all season long.
His opponent in Week 17, Johnathan Taylor is another young running back, but Taylor is having a much better season than Jacobs is. Taylor is one of the front-runners to win the MVP this season, and this game could come down to which running back has his way against two defenses that have proven to be beatable on numerous occasions this season.