Colts at Raiders: Game preview, odds, prediction

The Oakland Raiders clinched a playoff spot in Week 15, and are currently the No. 2 seed in the AFC. On Saturday, they welcome the Indianapolis Colts to town.

It has been a long time coming for Oakland Raiders fans, but last weekend, their Silver and Black actually clinched a playoff spot. Led by third-year quarterback Derek Carr, the Raiders have raced out to the No. 2 seed in the AFC, and will be looking to keep the Kansas City Chiefs in the rear-view mirror in Week 16. They will welcome Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts to town in a Christmas Eve matchup between two of the better young quarterbacks in the league.

The Colts have struggled at times this season, and in a year where the AFC South could be won with only nine or 10 wins, they have not capitalized on their opportunities. Still, they are technically in the playoff race and are hoping to knock off a Raiders team that could be looking past them in this one. Oakland will take on the Denver Broncos to finish out their season next weekend as they look to hang on to their first round bye and a home game in the divisional round.

Last weekend, the Colts put together one of their better efforts of the season, surprising the Minnesota Vikings at home with a resounding win. Luck was able to pick apart a very good Vikings defense, setting up running back Robert Turbin for two touchdowns. If the Colts play the way they did this past weekend on both sides of the ball against the Raiders, they could be in for their second straight road upset.

Odds

Line: Oakland (-3.5)

Over/Under: 53.0

The Raiders have too much to play for, and after losing to the Chiefs in Week 14, they were staring at a potential wild card finish. However, the Chiefs shockingly lost to the Tennessee Titans at home this past weekend and may not have enough time to catch up to the Raiders in the division. Oakland lost both games to the Chiefs this season, so winning on Saturday against the Colts is very important if they wish to have the week off before the divisional round.

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This one should be good early, as both teams have the firepower on offense to move the ball. The real battle will be which defense shows up on Saturday, as both teams are playing with a lot on the line. Indianapolis is always dangerous as long as Luck is under center, but the Raiders just have too much talent on both sides of the ball to lose this one. Expect the Raiders by a touchdown on Saturday.

Prediction: Raiders 30, Colts 23