Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts: 3 Key Matchups in Week 17

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. #29 of the Las Vegas Raiders is congratulated by defensive end Yannick Ngakoue #91 after Hayward tackled Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the end zone for a safety during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts: 3 Key Matchups in Week 17

Casey Hayward vs T.Y. Hilton

Casey Hayward is having a phenomenal year in the Silver and Black as one of the league’s best defenders against the pass. Hayward will be tested again with the speedy Hilton who has an uncanny ability to get open and make plays.

If the Raiders shut down the run game vs the Colts, expect QB Carson Wentz who was recently reinstated from the COVID-19 list to look to his wide receivers to make plays to put the Colts in a position to be successful. Look for Hayward to lead the secondary in orchestrating the attack against the Colts wideouts to neutralize their strengths.

Nov 1, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reaches for the snapped ball against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr needs to protect the football if the Raiders are to win out

The Raiders will need to win out to make the playoffs this season, and Derek Carr needs to do a better job protecting the football for them to do so.

Las Vegas has a legitimate chance to win this game, despite being heavy underdogs, but they will need to play a perfect game on the road to do so. If they can bottle Taylor up the way they did the Denver rushing attack in Week 16, it will force Wentz to beat them, and I do not believe he has the talent to do so.

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