Raiders vs Colts Picks, Predictions, and Betting Odds

• Las Vegas Raiders in must-win mode vs Indianapolis Colts to keep playoff hopes alive
• Betting Record: 0-1 ML; 6-6 ATS; 2-1 O/U; -2.34 units
• Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

The Las Vegas Raiders have control of their playoff football destiny. Run the table to end the year, and they make the postseason for the second time in 19 years. A loss, and they’re basically toast.

Their opponent Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts, have a simpler playoff formula: win and they’re in.

It makes for high stakes drama in Week 17, as the two teams clash at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1pm ET. The game can be seen live on FOX.

Even with known potential uncertainty at the QB position for Indy, bookmakers have still gone ahead and made the home team 7-point favorites.

Raiders vs Colts Odds

Odds as of  Jan 1st at DraftKings

Las Vegas Raiders Outlook

A crisp 5-2 Vegas start quickly unfolded when they lost five of their next six. They’ve won their last two to get to 8-7.

https://twitter.com/RaiderNationBOS/status/1475293560152940547

Last time out, they beat the Broncos in a not-so-pretty 17-13 win. Running back Josh Jacobs, who’s had a down season, picked the best time for his best outing of the year, running for 129 yards on 27 carries. Derek Carr was 20-for-25 for 210 yards with a TD pass and an interception.

The Raiders’ defense blanketed Denver’s run game, holding them to just 18 yards on 16 carries, while limiting Drew Lock to 153 yards passing.

HUNTER. RENFROW. Another incredible touchdown catch from #13!

pic.twitter.com/lkmD4VTwkn

— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) December 26, 2021

Is Vegas more legit or fortunate, though? In their last four games, they’ve failed to score more than 15 points, and they beat the Cleveland Browns and Broncos who were trotting out backup quarterbacks.

They’ll also enter Sunday hoping to have key pieces available. Defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins (back) is questionable, as are corner Casey Hayward, tight ends Denzel Perryman and Darren Waller and linebacker KJ Wright, who are all currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Indianapolis Colts Outlook

The biggest story in Indy this week has been the status of QB Carson Wentz, who was put into COVID health and safety protocols on Tuesday. Wentz is also an unvaccinated player, which would have precluded him from playing outright in previous weeks. However, a freshly confusing NFL rule change is now allowing players to return in five days instead of 10, meaning the pivot could be available if he clears the necessary testing before Sunday’s kickoff.

Frank Reich has had some conversations with Philip Rivers of late, he says, but at this point, nothing happening on that front. Colts will move forward with Sam Ehlinger at QB if needed, but my gut tells me Wentz will be back and start. Wild week.

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 29, 2021

Indy would have to go with rookie Sam Ehlinger in what would be their biggest game of the year. That’s probably why head coach Frank Reich was reaching out to last year’s starter and currently retired QB Philip Rivers, though the vet didn’t bite.

This situation has clouded the fact the Colts have been absolute dynamos since starting the year 0-3 and sitting at 1-4 before ripping off eight wins in their past 10.

They’ve been powered by Jonathan Taylor, who’s been the best running back in the NFL by a mile, and will get MVP votes for his incredible campaign. He’ll be the central part of the Colts’ plans Sunday.

IMO, the greatest Linebacker ever to suit up, former #Ravens LB: @raylewis, gives #Colts RB: Jonathan Taylor his nod for #NFL #MVP.

For a former linebacker to think a running back deserves it, speaks volumes to me. pic.twitter.com/YJnaEo5G2y

— Lawrence Owen (@Colts_Law) January 1, 2022

After a sluggish start to the year, with just a single 100-yard game and three total TD’s in four games, he’s set defenses on fire, posting eight 100+ yard running performances and 16 majors in the last 10.

While they await Wentz’s status, the team has activated left guard Quenton Nelson, right guard Mark Glowinski, defensive end Kemoko Turay and  cornerback Rock Ya-Sin off the COVID list.

Raiders vs Colts Pick

It’s hard to pin this one down with Indy’s QB uncertainty. If he’s out, I’d bet everything the desperate Raiders at least cover that seven points.

Instead, I’m going to bank on this one being ugly, with the Raiders’ recent offensive woes and a rusty Wentz, if active.

Indy has gone under the total in their last three, while Vegas has gone under in two straight. Look for the trend to continue.

Pick: UNDER 44 (1.5 units to win 1.36 units)