Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 bold predictions 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 at Indianapolis Colts: 3 bold predictions

Bold Prediction #1: The Raiders stifle Jonathan Taylor

We are wasting no time this week, as the boldest of predictions shows up first on the list. The star Colts running back has not rushed for under 80 yards since October. He has surpassed 100 yards on the ground in six of the team’s last seven games.

On Sunday, that will change. The Raiders are simply going to refuse to allow their playoff aspirations to be killed by something, or someone, that they can see coming from ten miles away. Despite a challenging start to the season for the Las Vegas run defense, there has been massive improvement shown, particularly over the last two weeks.

The Raiders allowed under 90 total rushing yards to Nick Chubb and the Browns in their week 15 contest, despite Chubb carrying the ball over 20 times. The following week against the Broncos, the Las Vegas defense was even more impressive. Regardless of the fact that the Raiders were facing one of the most prolific rushing attacks in the league, the Broncos two potential 1,000 yard rushers were held to a combined eight yards on 14 carries.

Furthermore, Colts’ quarterback Carson Wentz is not a certainty to play on Sunday after being placed in COVID-19 protocols. If Wentz is not able to go, the Raiders will be able to stack the box even more. In the event of Wentz’s absence, Indianapolis would likely start Sam Ehlinger, who has never thrown an NFL pass.

On Sunday, the Raiders will hold Jonathan Taylor under 80 yards for the first time since Halloween.

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