NFL
By: Kevin Le
After getting a win in New York last week, the Las Vegas Raiders turn their attention to the Indianapolis Colts. They face Phillips Rivers, who’s seen plenty of matchups against the silver and black. It is now week 14, and it seems like the Raiders are in a win-or-go-home situation. With the Colts are 8-5 and the Raiders at 7-5, this game is crucial for AFC wildcard positioning. Both teams are coming off big wins against conference opponents and play towards spoiling each other’s playoff hopes. The Raiders beat Phillip Rivers twice last season, and they will need to do the same this Sunday. The Colts showdown is the biggest game in Jon Gruden’s second stint as head coach for the Raiders.
Home Sweet Home
After back to back trips to the East Coast, the Raiders finally head home to Las Vegas. Being at home will play a significant factor against the Colts because of less body wear. The next three games occur at home, and the season finale will go down in Denver. Having the most challenging games at home will take some stress off of players and coaches. The last time the Raiders were at home was against the Chiefs in a close loss. If the Raiders want to go to the playoffs, these final home games will determine where they stand.
One Game Elimination?
Derek Carr commented on the importance of the Jets game: “this week was a single-elimination week from here on out for us.” With the AFC Wildcard race so tight, losing a game will prove costly. After falling to the Falcons two weeks ago, the Raiders were seconds away from losing to the winless Jets. The Raiders are competing with the Browns, Dolphins, Colts, and Ravens for a playoff berth. At 7-5, Las Vegas has meetings with the Colts and Dolphins approaching.
Keys to the game
The game status of Josh Jacobs, Jonathan Abram, Isaiah Johnson, Trent Brown, and Damon Arnette is still unknown. Going from the Jets to the Colts will be a significant shift, and the Raiders cannot play like last week. The keys to victory are depending on the run game, utilizing all weapons, winning third down, and causing turnovers. Having Josh Jacobs back will be crucial going against the Colts’ fifth-ranked defense. Using playmakers like Darren Waller, Henry Ruggs, and Nelson Agholor will help stretch that defense. Third down will be essential for the Raiders offense, which is third overall in converting. The Colts’ defense on third down is ranked fifteenth, so that is an area that needs to be exposed. Causing turnovers last week helped the Raiders win, and the same problem needs bedevil Rivers.
Game Prediction
The Raiders tested their luck last week in New York and got a miracle win they needed to have. After realizing how fast a team can lose a season’s work, they will come out strong and fast against the Colts. Last week was a season-saving wake-up call the Raiders needed. Josh Jacobs will come back strong and control the line of scrimmage with his runs. Derek Carr will get the ball to Darren Waller and Henry Ruggs III in space and let them operate. The Raiders will convert big third downs to extend long drives to keep their defense on the sidelines. The defense made critical plays last week when they needed to and will do the same to Rivers. The final score will be 24-14 giving the Raiders a big win at home.
