Raiders vs. Colts Week 17 Prediction
The Colts can clinch a playoff berth on Sunday, but they need to top the Raiders and the playing status of QB Carson Wentz is still up in the air as of this writing. Given the uncertainty surrounding Wentz, are the Colts still a safe bet to cover as an 8-point favorite?
Game Snapshot
101 Las Vegas Raiders (+8) at 102 Indianapolis Colts (-8); o/u 45
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, January 2, 2021
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
TV: FOX
Las Vegas Raiders DFS Spin
Raiders placed Darren Waller on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Raiders were hopeful Waller, who has been sidelined since Week 12 because of a knee injury, would practice Wednesday. That is obviously not going to happen now, and he will be up against it to get cleared before Sunday even under the relaxed COVID-19 protocols. The most likely outcome is Waller missing another game.
Indianapolis Colts DFS Spin
Colts activated Carson Wentz from the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Colts also activated CB T.J. Carrie and OT Braden Smith. Wentz still needs to clear COVID protocols Sunday morning but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes that he’s fully expected to start. After missing practice all week and possibly still recovering from COVID symptoms, expect Indianapolis to keep leaning on Jonathan Taylor versus the Raiders. Taylor is this week’s RB1 while Wentz is a middling QB2 option.
Raiders vs. Colts Betting Prediction
The Raiders are 4-1 against the spread in their last five trips to Lucas Oil Stadium and are 5-2 against the number in their last seven games as a road underdog. They’re also 7-3 at the betting window in their last 10 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game and are a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last six games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous contest. Even if Wentz does play, the pressure will be on the Colts as they try to fight for a playoff spot – as well as the possibility of still winning the AFC South Division title. They should win, but the Raiders could hang.
NFL WEEK 17 BETTING PREDICTION: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS +8
