4 reasons the Raiders will beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17
Stop the Run
Containing opposing running back Jonathan Taylor is key, in fact, we already discussed it here at JustBlogBaby earlier in the week. But I am here to reiterate this is the biggest reason the Raiders can pull out a win in a matchup they are heavy underdogs in.
The Colts are likely without starting quarterback Carson Wentz this week, and although Wentz has never returned to his former Pro Bowl form from years prior, he has been more than serviceable in an offense where the run dictates the outcome for this franchise.
With Wentz likely sidelined, Johnathan Taylor who is leading the league in rushing yards, will not only once again be the focal point of this offense, but more than likely 80% of this offense, if not a higher percentage. He has indeed been the biggest factor at all times in this offense, but with a team that will likely field a backup quarterback in Sam Ehlinger, an even bigger emphasis will be placed on the run game.
The defensive line has been quite stout against the run as of late, and this was evident in the recent victory against the dangerous tandem backfield of the Denver Broncos. The Raiders only allowed 18 rushing yards to the Broncos and will look to continue this trend against a more haunting foe in Taylor.
The onus will be on the defense to replicate this feat, and although Taylor has dominated nearly every defense he has faced, now with a backup quarterback more or less looking like the reality for Indianapolis, the Raiders should not be shy in continuing to stack the box against this dominating rushing attack. If the Raiders can succeed in this obstacle, victory should surely be in the cards.