Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions: Can Shorthanded Colts Keep Rolling?
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions: Can Shorthanded Colts Keep Rolling?
The Indianapolis Colts could be without quarterback Carson Wentz in a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders. With the Colts sitting at 9-6, they're in a big playoff picture that also includes the Las Vegas Raiders, who they'll be welcoming to Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. If Wentz can't go, it'll be former Texas Longhorns quarterback, Sam Ehlinger who will get the start. Luckily for the Colts, he's been around the team throughout the season and likely knows the system well enough to keep the Colts competitive. On the other hand, the Raiders are on the bubble in the playoff race. Sitting at ninth in the AFC, the Raiders still have a chance if they're able to win out. Remember, there are seven playoff spots per conference this season. Can the Colts hold off the Raiders at home? Here are our picks and predictions for the big AFC matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts.
Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
Date: Sunday, January 2, 2021
Game Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Where To Watch: FOX
INJURY REPORT
Las Vegas
Questionable: DT Johnathan Hankins (Back), TE Darren Waller (Knee) Plenty of players are on the COVID list but could come off the list later this week and play.
Indianapolis
Questionable: TE Jack Doyle (Ankle), T Eric Fisher (Knee), C Ryan Kelly (Knee), G Chris Reed (Back), DB Andrew Sendejo (Concussion), Plenty of players are on the COVID list but could come off the list later this week and play. This includes Carson Wentz, but because he's unvaccinated, there's a good chance he will have to miss this game.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts Betting Line Movement
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction
The Las Vegas Raiders aren't out of the playoff hunt yet. At 8-7, the Raiders can still finish with 10 wins and make the playoffs with seven teams from each conference slated to make the playoffs. But the Raiders have been playing without star tight end, Darren Waller and that has hurt the offense a bit. Derek Carr isn't scoring points like he once used to for the Raiders. Las Vegas has won its last two games but in both of those games, the Raiders only put up 16 and 17 points. The defense is playing well but the defense has also been given a couple of gifts of playing backup quarterbacks. Ironically, the Raiders will get to play another backup quarterback on Sunday. That could be a positive thing for the Raiders, especially if the offense can get back Darren Waller. I'll admit, I'm an optimistic guy. When I see a new quarterback get his first chance, I immediately believe that the player will perform. However, this season, that's just not what's happening. Ian Book started a game for the Saints last week and was smashed. Garrett Gilbert, Tim Boyle, Mike White, and so many other backup quarterbacks are just not getting the job done. The Colts will more than likely get Carson Wentz back in action after this week, but for now, they'll have to rely on a quarterback that hasn't even started a game before. That's tough in a big playoff picture. Currently, I'm seeing the Colts as a -6.5 point favorite, and to me, knowing Ehlinger is starting, I like the Raiders here. Maybe the Raiders end up losing this game by three and still cover. Or maybe the Raiders win the game outright. Recently, they've been playing well defensively, for what it's worth, and the offense still has potential, especially if Waller is back.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts Pick
- Raiders +6.5 (-110)
Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.