Raiders X-Factors against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17

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Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs with the ball while defended by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) and strong safety Johnathan Abram (24) in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17

Stopping Jonathan Taylor

If you had to figure which X-Factor would be the biggest — look no further than trying to contain the nearly impossible in running back Jonathan Taylor.

The 22-year-old back is leading the league in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns as he heads into this matchup as the biggest threat to this Raider defense. He has gone for over 100-yards rushing in six of his last seven games and will look to continue this trend against a middling Raiders running defense.

Carson Wentz the starting quarterback for the Colts will likely be missing this tilt as he is being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list and is unvaccinated. Although the passing game has played second fiddle to the running attack all season, an even bigger emphasis will be placed on the shoulders of Taylor as Wentz will be missing in action.

Stopping the dangerous back has been an issue with nearly every franchise so far this season, and this is even knowing the game plan — as the offense has been run through Taylor throughout this season as the Colts have marched to nine wins.

If the Raiders have a shot at turning around their once-promising season and rescuing a shot at a playoff berth, the biggest X-Factor will be stopping a back that has a chance at eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards on the season.

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