Raiders vs. Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Aidan O'Connell, Raiders Remain In The Playoff Hunt?
Two AFC teams face off on Sunday when the Raiders battle it out with the Colts. Can Aidan O'Connell and the Raiders remain in the playoff hunt? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - December 27, 2023, 2:20 PM EST
5 minRaiders vs. Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Aidan O'Connell, Raiders Remain In The Playoff Hunt?
Las Vegas has a slim chance of making the playoffs. But nobody would've expected the Raiders to be even close to the playoffs after falling to 3-5 on the season.
However, Antonio Pierce took over as the interim head coach and instilled confidence into his team.
They're now 7-8. They just knocked off the Chiefs on the road, 20-14 last weekend.
Las Vegas' last two games were won by a combined score of 83-35.
On the other hand, they're competing in a big matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, who are also looking for a playoff spot.
The Colts are 8-7 on the season and tied with the Jaguars and Texans for the AFC South. If Indianapolis wins its next two games, there's a very high percentage chance that they'll make the playoffs.
Therefore, what can we expect in Sunday's showdown between these two AFC squads?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders vs. Colts Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 31, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Raiders vs. Colts Odds
- Spread: Raiders +3 (-110), Colts -3 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 44 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Raiders (+135), Colts (-160)
Raiders vs. Colts Injury Report
Raiders
Questionable: G Jermaine Eluemunor (Knee), TE Michael Mayer (Toe), TE Jasper Horsted (Hamstring), RB Josh Jacobs (Quad)
Out: LB Kana'i Mauga (Knee), OT Dalton Wagner (Undisclosed)
Colts
Questionable: WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Concussion), OT Braden Smith (Knee), LB Segun Olubi (Hip), RB Zack Moss (Arm)
Out: S Julian Blackmon (Shoulder), CB Tony Brown (Suspension), WR Isaiah McKenzie (Suspension)
Raiders vs. Colts Prediction
The Raiders aren't the flashiest team in the NFL. But they'll find ways to win the game.
Aidan O'Connell and Las Vegas didn't even complete a pass after the first quarter against the Chiefs last week. However, the Raiders still earned a 20-14 win on the road thanks to their ground game.
The Raiders aren't afraid to make adjustments mid-game. That's important to know with Las Vegas. The defense has held its last three opponents to no more than 21 points and has kept all but one team from more than 21 points since Pierce took over as head coach.
The Raiders have a fierce pass rush and have a very underrated secondary. They've allowed under 210 yards in the air and under 125 yards on the ground.
Las Vegas isn't as good against the run. But that's ultimately because of poor tackling. That's been cleaned up since Pierce took over if nothing else.
On the other hand, the Colts had scored at least 27 points in three of their last four games before losing to the Falcons last week. Indianapolis was moving the ball well with Gardner Minshew, but he only added 201 yards passing and completed just 20 of 37 passes with one interception and six sacks.
The Raiders will likely get their fair share of sacks against the Colts. Indianapolis hasn't always been bad as an offensive line. But last week was pretty telling.
Even Jonathan Taylor couldn't find holes running the football after he averaged 2.4 yards on 18 carries.
This should be a low-scoring game. But I think the Raiders will do enough to sneak away with the win. Las Vegas is trending up. The Colts are trending down.
Snag the Raiders at +3.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick
- Raiders +3 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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