The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) and Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) are just about set for a Week 17 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The sportsbooks have the Colts sitting as home favorites while the experts around the league are pretty split on how this game could turn out.
Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees this Week 17 matchup shaking out:
Kevin Hickey: Colts 21, Raiders 20
I’d be lying if I said I felt confident about this take. The Colts are coming off arguably their worst game of the season, but they will see the return of right tackle Braden Smith and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., which is huge.
The Raiders have found new life under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, coming off their first road win in an upset over the Kansas City Chiefs. They are playing extremely physical on the defensive side of the ball while the offense has been volatile.
The Colts are the better team on paper, but that has rarely mattered in these matchups with the Raiders over the last five seasons. But Steichen has proven he can get his team to bounce back after tough losses, and they find a way to grind one out this week.
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
Cody Manning: Colts 24, Raiders 17
The Indianapolis Colts start this matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders on the right note. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line start the game in sync that leads to explosive plays on the ground that set up a couple first half touchdown drives.
The Las Vegas offense is able to match the Colts because of Davante Adams giving the young secondary fits. It’s a close game in the fourth quarter until Dayo Odeyingbo lights up Aidan O’Connell for a strip-sack fumble which sets up the game-winning touchdown score.
Follow Cody on Twitter (@CodyTalksNFL)
Meghan Hall: Colts 31, Raiders 27
The Raiders are playing inspired football with Antonio Pierce guiding the team. It would not surprise me to see them put up some points on the Colts. However, with the Colts back at home, I expect them to find their rhythm again with Michael Pittman Jr potentially playing.
Follow Meghan on Twitter (@ItsMeghanLHall)
Cody Felger: Colts 24, Raiders 21
Traditionally, this Colts team has responded well after laying an egg this season. Expect the offense to find their footing, especially with presumably getting back both Michael Pittman and Braden Smith. The Raiders are a very hot team, but if the Colts can protect the football and find their footing in the running game as well as make Aiden O’Connell uncomfortable, they should be able to win this matchup.
Follow Cody on Twitter (@CPFelger55)
Season Standings
| Writer | SU | ATS |
| Kevin Hickey | 10-5 | 10-5 |
| Cody Manning | 10-5 | 9-6 |
| Meghan Hall | 10-5 | 10-5 |
| Cody Felger | 8-5 | 8-5 |
