Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 things we learned in Week 17

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a touchdown catch under the pressure of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a touchdown catch under the pressure of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. /
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Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after kicking the game-winning field goal Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after kicking the game-winning field goal Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. /

Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 things we learned

Las Vegas is a playoff team

Like it or not, this is a team that looks like a playoff team right now, as the defense is playing their best brand of football over the last three games. Sure, they have played some backup quarterbacks, and a starter in Wentz that likely should not be starting at the NFL level, but they have also stymied some incredible running backs along the way.

If Carr can do a better job protecting the football, and playing more consistently throughout the game, the Raiders have the talent on both sides of the ball to earn a playoff spot next weekend at home. For everything this organization has been through, including stuff on and off the field, getting to ten wins would be quite the accomplishment, especially finishing with a  four-game winning streak to close the regular season.

The Raiders are incredibly one win away from clinching a playoff spot, and right now, they are going to be a tough out. They can tie the season series with the Chargers with a win next weekend, and by doing so, punch their ticket to the playoffs for only the second time since the 2002 NFL season.

With how they have played down the stretch, that is a likely scenario.