Raiders vs. Colts: NFL Week 17 betting odds, preview, and pick

The stakes are high for this AFC showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Indianapolis Colts.

The Raiders are on the outside looking in for the postseason, and need a win to stay in the hunt. The Colts are still alive for AFC South honors, but a loss could throw them into a wild card tiebreaker scenario in Week 18 that could potentially leave them in the cold.

Let’s dive into this matchup and see where bettors should be landing.

Las Vegas Raiders (8-7) at Indianapolis Colts (9-6), 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX

Will Wentz start, and will it matter?

Carson Wentz – who is not vaccinated for COVID – was placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID list on Tuesday, putting his chances of starting at quarterback this Sunday in jeopardy.

Earlier this season, he would’ve had no hope of playing. But thanks to updated COVID protocols, Wentz has an opportunity to get back on the field in time, and the 6.5-point spread would appear to reflect that.

If Wentz is sidelined, rookie Sam Ehlinger would be in line to throw his first NFL passes. But clearly the burden would not be on the Texas product, but on sensational sophomore tailback Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor has been a driving force behind the Colts’ recent success (6-1 record last seven games), topping 100 rushing yards in six of his last seven games, and accounting for 12 all-purpose touchdowns.

The Wisconsin product has averaged over 25 carries per game in that span, so the sub-par Raiders run defense (19th with 115.7 yards allowed per game), can expect a steady diet of Taylor in Week 17.

Can Carr stretch the field?

Las Vegas is a pass-first offense, as they’re fifth in yards per game through the air (276.9). But quarterback Derek Carr has had a mediocre last four games, going 2-2 with an average of 237.3 yards per contest, and only 6.5 yards per attempt.

Not coincidentally, tight end Darren Waller has not played in any of those four games, and is unlikely to suit up in Week 17 after being placed on the reserve/COVID list. Even if Waller clears protocols, he’s yet to practice since late November.

Indy’s pass stoppers surrender just 7.0 yards per attempt, so expect them to keep the Raiders’ offense in check.

Raiders vs. Colts injury report

Raiders and Colts betting trends

• The Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games as a road underdog
• The Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall
• The Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings between these clubs
• The Under is 4-1 in the Colts’ last five games played in January

The verdict

Assuming Wentz suits up, the Colts look like a solid wager against the spread. If Ehlinger starts under center instead, then our preference would shift to the Under.

Score prediction: Colts 24, Raiders 16

NFL pick: Colts -6.5, Under 44.5