The Las Vegas Raiders are still kicking. They still have a shot at getting into the playoffs via the wild card route, so the importance to them of this upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts can’t be overstated. As for the Colts, they remain in play for the AFC South division title. Check out our preview below of this matchup.
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Betting Preview for the Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts Regular Season Week 17 Game on January 2, 2022
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
When: Sunday, January 2, 2022, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Las Vegas Raiders (+8.5) vs Indianapolis Colts (-8.5) – view all 2021 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Betting on the Las Vegas Raiders (+8.5)
Regular Season Record: 8-7
The Raiders got away with another win in Week 17 to keep themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot. Las Vegas beat the Denver Broncos at home, 17-13, Sunday. Before that, the Raiders defeated the Cleveland Browns on the road in Week 16, 16-14. The Raiders have not been winning games in the convincing fashion of late, but at least they are getting those Ws. Running back Josh Jacobs went off in the Broncos game, gashing Denver’s defense for 129 rushing yards on 27 carries, while tight end Foster Moreau paced the receiving corps with 67 receiving yards on four catches. Moreau should continue to be extra relevant downfield for the Raiders if Darren Waller misses another game, though, the latter seems to be nearing a return from a knee injury. Waller was labeled doubtful ahead of the Broncos game before getting ultimately ruled out.
The Raiders are 6-4 straight up in their last 10 road games.
Betting on the Indianapolis Colts (-8.5)
Regular Season Record: 9-6
The Colts can be considered lucky in their 22-16 road win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16 due to the Cards repeatedly shooting their own foot. But a win is a win, and now, the Colts are on a three-game undefeated streak. After starting the season 9-3, Indianapolis has found its groove, mainly because of the power of running back Jonathan Taylor. The touchdown-machine Taylor now has 1,626 rushing yards and 17 rushing scores this season – both numbers lead the NFL. The Raiders run defense isn’t built to withstand a force like Taylor, as Las Vegas entered Week 16 just 25th in the league against the run, so expect the former Wisconsin Badgers star to have another field day on the ground. Against the Cards, Taylor rushed for 108 yards on 21 carries. That said, quarterback Carson Wentz has also been balling out of late, having tossed for three touchdowns with just an interception in the last two Colts games.
The Colts are 4-3 against the spread in their last seven games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
The Colts win, 27-19.
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