NFL Week 14: Colts vs. Raiders odds, preview, and pick
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) celebrates during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by MSA/Icon Sportswire)
December 11th, 2020
Two AFC clubs trying to fight their way into the postseason will meet at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday afternoon (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS) as the Indianapolis Colts (8-4) visit the Las Vegas Raiders (7-5). Which high-flying offense will have their way in this one? Here’s our betting preview.
Colts can hold their own with almost anyone
The Colts have won three of their last four games, notching quality victories over the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers in that span.
Quarterback Philip Rivers has been on top of his game, completing 68.4% of his passes over his last four starts for 7.7 yards per attempt with an 8-2 touchdown-interception ratio.
Philip Rivers has been beyond expectations:
— Peyton2Luck™️ (@Peyton2L) December 8, 2020
3,263 Yards
18 TDs
68% Completions
7.6 Y/A
13 Sacks (Fewest in #NFL)
Oh, yeah, & today’s his birthday 🎂‼️
Happy Birthday 🎉1️⃣7️⃣ From #ColtsNation
pic.twitter.com/DBBt2XwgbD
Las Vegas got lucky last week
After a narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11, the Raiders were embarrassed by the Atlanta Falcons in a 43-6 Week 12 defeat.
Las Vegas should have been highly motivated to crush the hapless New York Jets last Sunday, but it took a fireable offense from Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams just for Jon Gruden’s squad to come away with a 31-28 victory.
This late-season swoon for the Raiders looks eerily similar to the way they closed out the 2019 campaign, as they dropped four out of their last five games and fell out of playoff contention.
Colts and Raiders statistics and rankings
| Team Name | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards Allowed | Rushing Yards Allowed |
|---|
Indianapolis Colts | 265.3 (10th) | 104.8 (21st) | 218.1 (8th) | 100.9 (7th) |
Las Vegas Raiders | 243.6 (17th) | 121.2 (10th) | 257.1 (24th) | 121.1 (19th) |
Defense should make the difference
The Colts and Raiders are 10th and 11th, respectively, in points per game this season. But while the offenses have very similar firepower, there’s an apparent gulf of talent on the other side of the ball.
Indianapolis’ stoppers are 10th in points allowed per game (22.8) and eighth in yards allowed per play (5.3). By contrast, Las Vegas is 28th in points allowed per game (28.9) and 25th in yards allowed per play (5.8).
SAM DARNOLD TRUCK STICK 🕹
— PFF (@PFF) December 6, 2020
pic.twitter.com/63sSeXNzqQ
The Raiders do not seem equipped to handle the Colts offense. But it would not be surprising to see Derek Carr and company struggle. Vegas’ troubles could be compounded if running back Josh Jacobs (hamstring) fails to suit up for a second straight game.
Trends suggest Colts are best bet
The Colts have covered in four straight games as road favorites. They’re also 14-6 against the spread in their last 20 games against teams with winning records.
The Raiders have failed to cover in five of their last seven games played in December.
Score prediction: Colts 27, Raiders 20
NFL pick: Colts -2.5
Wager on all NFL Week 14 action on BetAmerica!
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