This might be putting it mildly, but the Las Vegas Raiders have a big-time game on Sunday. They will be facing the Indianapolis Colts in a clash with some serious playoff implications for both sides. As crazy as it sounds, it’s true. Even more so when you look at what’s been transpiring with the Silver and Black over the last couple of months. With that being said, what can we expect from this matchup?
Here are a few bold predictions for Sunday’s game.
Prediction No. 1: The Raiders’ Defense Will Score Another Touchdown
Las Vegas’ defense is on a roll as of late. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit has scored four times in the last two weeks. This week’s opponent should provide several opportunities for another.
Enter Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew. He is the trailer park version of Ryan Fitzpatrick. For every great moment he has, the journeyman quarterback will have at least one that is disastrous. In the 13 games in which Minshew saw significant action, he has turned the ball over 17 times. Chances are that the Raiders will nab at least one or two takeaways. The way that they have been playing, one of those should come back to the house.
I can’t believe I’m in a championship game where I’m deciding between Joe Flacco, Nick Mullens and Gardner Minshew
— Joe Pepe (@jpep20) December 28, 2023
New Raiders corner Jack Jones has been a touchdown machine as of late. You just know that he will be itching to get after the interception-prone Minshew. Also, defensive end Maxx Crosby is likely salivating over getting to play quarterback, who has already been sacked 32 times this year. Those sacks can lead to fumbles, which can lead to touchdowns.
Regardless of how it happens, expect the Raiders defense to find the end zone for the fifth time in three weeks.
Prediction No. 2: Josh Jacobs Will Return In A Big Way
Josh Jacobs has been out for the past two weeks with a quad injury and has not yet practiced as of writing this piece. That being said, expect Jacobs to find a way to get back on the field for Sunday’s game and make a massive impact. It should be noted that Jacobs has been officially listed as doubtful heading into Sunday.
The Raiders running back has spent the last two weeks watching his backup, Zamir White, go off for 214 yards rushing and a touchdown. Jacobs knows the dangers of looking replaceable, as he is in yet another contract year. NFL running backs have been systematically devalued for years, so you know that Jacobs will want to use these last couple weeks of. the season to remind everyone just how important having a back like him can be.
Imagine if at the beginning of the season, someone said the Raiders would win in KC without Josh Jacobs, Chandler Jones, Kolton Miller and Jimmy Garoppolo and that Davante Adams would have 4 yards. Pretty crazy.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) December 26, 2023
He will have a great opportunity to do exactly that this week. Las Vegas heads to Indianapolis to face a Colts team that is bottom-five in the league in run defense. Now that the Raiders are back in playoff contention, Jacobs will get out there to remind everyone that he truly is that guy.
If the Raiders defense continues to perform well and they have Josh Jacobs back, this final prediction should be a clear outcome.
Prediction No. 3: The Raiders Will Win… Comfortably
The Raiders are on a roll, and they should be able to keep it going at Lucas Oil Stadium. Despite playing better as of late, the Colts were just trounced in a 19-point loss to the Falcons. There is no reason why Las Vegas can’t do something similar.
Like Atlanta, the Raiders have a solid defense. Both teams allow just under 20 points per game. Also, while they may not have the season-long rushing numbers to compete with the Falcons, the Silver and Black have been running the ball really well as of late. The Raiders have the recipe to beat Indianapolis.
Expect the Las Vegas defense to dominate and the offense to control the ball and score enough. The Raiders will get off to a hot start and coast to victory. They should win by at least 10. Yes, you read that correctly. Las Vegas is beating Indy by double digits this week.
*Top Photo: Official Raiders Website
