The Las Vegas Raiders head out to Indianapolis to take on the Colts and their elite running game in need of a win to stay alive in the AFC Playoff race.
The Las Vegas Raiders have put themselves in a great position coming up on the last two weeks of the season, win and you’re in. The Raiders are currently in the eighth spot in the AFC right behind the suddenly surging Miami Dolphins, but they are going to need some help.
Due to the Raiders’ loss to the Chargers in Week 4 earlier this season, they would not get in even if they had the same record as the Dolphins or Baltimore Ravens, two teams they beat this season. However, they control their own destiny, and a win on Sunday, coupled with a win in Week 18, could actually net them the sixth seed.
The Raiders did get some help in that regard these past two games, despite losing seven of their own defensive players including some key starters like Denzel Perryman and Casey Hayward to the reserve COVID list. The Indianapolis Colts put 13 players on the COVID list on Monday, and just reported on Tuesday that they have also placed starting quarterback Carson Wentz on the list.
However, due to new COVID policies that the NFL and NFLPA just conveniently adopted on Tuesday, Wentz and every other NFL player on the list has a real chance to play as long as they are asymptomatic, and of course, they are going to be because what NFL player is going to self report any symptoms?
But I digress.
The Raiders’ defense will have to play even better than they did in Sunday’s win over the Broncos because of the talent the Indianapolis Colts offense possesses, starting with likely MVP candidate Johnathan Taylor. The Raiders offense will have to play more like they did in the Cowboys game, and less like they have the following three weeks after, as well.
Let’s take a look at three Raiders who will make the most impact on Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.