Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts: 3 Key Matchups in Week 17
By Kenny King
The Las Vegas Raiders hit the road to take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17, and here are three key matchups in the game.
Earlier in the week, it looked almost as if this would be a game played at half strength by both teams, as COVID-19 decimated the Colts and Raiders rosters. It looked like both teams would be without numerous key players, but most were activated Saturday in preparation for today’s game.
As the Raiders and Colts prepare for the Week 17 matchup with playoff implications we will take a look at the 3 biggest matchups in a must-win game in which the Raiders are not only playing for the playoffs but to memorialize the recently deceased Hall of Fame coach John Madden.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts: 3 Key Matchups in Week 17
The Raiders run defense vs Johnathan Taylor
The Raiders played the run incredibly well against the Broncos in Week 16, holding standout Javonte Williams to 12 yards on seven carries, even while missing their best run defender Johnathan Hankins. This week, the Raiders face the formidable Jonathan Taylor, who is having an MVP caliber year with 19 touchdowns and 1,626 rushing yards, as he currently has surpassed the injured Derrick Henry as the NFL’s leading rusher.
The Raiders run defense will surely be tested early on and will be heavily relied on to ensure the success of the defense. The Colts star guard, Quentin Nelson will return from the COVID-19 list adding more support for Taylor. If the Raiders bring the level of intensity that they displayed in week 16, then it should prove to be a strong day for the defense.