The Raiders have a consecutive home game this week as they take on AFC South leading Indianapolis Colts. The Raiders are coming off a 39-23 victory against the Broncos while the Colts are coming off a 34-24 victory at home against the Jaguars. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot. The Colts are currently tied with the Jaguars for first place in the division with the Colts holding the tie-breaker, while the Raiders are two games behind the Chiefs and one behind the Chargers. In order for the Raiders playoff hopes to continue, they need for the Chiefs to lose to the Titans and the Chargers to lose one of their next two, with the Raiders winning out. Here's a look at this week's match-ups:
Raiders offense vs. Colts defense
The Raiders come in ranked 8th overall in total yards/game; 2nd in rushing and 23rd in passing. It's no secret at this point in the season that the Raiders want to rely heavily on their abusive running game. With the Colts DE's Freeney and Mathis, they want to establish the run early to keep them on their heels and away from pinning their ears back to rush the passer. An early lead would help in order to keep them honest. The Colts defense is built to play with a lead. They rank 19th overall in total defense; 28th against the run and 11th against the pass. The key to the game will be whoever can impose their style of play on the other team.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders defense vs. Colts offense
This is a match-up of strength against strength. The Raiders pride themselves in defending the pass with man-to-man coverage and pressure defense with their front four. The Colts are a pass-first team with one of the best QB's to play the game in Manning. The Colts are currently4th in total offense; 32nd in rushing and 1st in passing. The Raiders are 11th overall in defense; 26th against the rush and 5th against the pass. It might not be a bad idea for the Colts to try and establish the run against the Raiders like they have in the past couple of weeks. It might put them in a hole if they were to open the game exactly like what the Raiders think they will and end up turning the ball over and getting behind early. Manning has not played extremely well against the Raiders in the past. Manning will also be without Collie for the rest of the season, but may be helped out by the return of Joseph Addai. The Raiders must find a way to make Manning uncomfortable in the pocket early and often for them to have success. The Raiders lead the all-time series 8-5.
Advantage: Colts
Special Teams
The Colts have the second worst kickoff return average in the NFL and the 4th worst punt return average in the NFL. They also give up the 5th best kickoff return average to their opponents and are in the bottom 10 in punt average. Lechler is once again in the top three in punt average and Janikowski is second in scoring and second in field goals made. This could be an area that the Raiders can exploit and tip over to their favor to win a close game.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 27, Colts 24
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