4 reasons the Raiders will beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17

4 reasons the Raiders will beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17

The Raiders defense will show up

First of all, this Raider defense is not one of the elites in the NFL. But, it is improving at a crucial time late in the season. There was that 48-9 drubbing to the Kansas City Chiefs recently, but context is key here, as the Raider offense could not stay on the field and had five turnovers in that horrendous performance.

In three of their last four contests, the defense has not allowed more than 17 points. The pass-rushing and secondary have done a great job in limiting the pass, and have not allowed 300 yards or more passing in four straight contests.

Stopping the run has also been a strong point for this defense, with only two running backs eclipsing the century mark against them. Although Jonathan Taylor will be the most difficult task the defense has faced thus far, the stats show that the Raiders and especially recently will get the job done against the league’s top rusher.

With a pass-rushing attack led by Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, these two will live in the backfield more than likely come Sunday, and the defensive line as a whole has improved. Adding in a secondary that has been banged up and shuffled through like cards (due to illness and injuries alike), but still performing at a high level, and this defense has been a key reason the Raiders are still in contention.

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I expect the Raider defense to show up and show out in this one and be one of the bigger reasons this team continues its unlikely but plausible march towards a playoff berth for the first time since 2016.