The battle of the backups continues in the NFL this weekend when the Raiders visit the Colts on Sunday. Rookie Aidan O’Connell will lead the 7-8 Raiders into Indianapolis with playoff implications on the line against Gardner Minshew.
The Raiders are coming off an impressive road victory at Kansas City on Christmas Day, and the Colts are coming off a disappointing loss in Atlanta.
The winner of this contest could grab a foothold of the final wildcard spot in the AFC going into Week 18. The two sides are separated by only one win, but check out where they rank in Week 17 NFL Power Rankings.
Let’s dive into the odds and best bets for this AFC showdown.
Raiders vs Colts Odds
NFL odds used for this Las Vegas vs Indianapolis preview were found at Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Dec. 28 at 3 p.m.ET.
- Moneyline: Colts (-190) • Raiders (+158)
- Spread: Favorite -3.5 (-110) • Underdog +3.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 43.5 (-110) • Under 43.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Colts 23, Raiders 19.5
Raiders vs Colts Predictions
Score Pick: Colts 27, Raiders 21
The Colts have won three straight games at home and are tied with the Jaguars and Texans for first place in the AFC South. The Colts will end the season with two straight home games, and if they win both, they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs as they currently hold the 7th spot in the AFC.
The Raiders can sneak into the playoffs if they win their final two games but will need help from other teams.
This game can potentially be a shootout, but the Raiders defense has been playing better recently. I expect both teams to rely on their running game, and in that facet of the game, I give the advantage to the Colts.
Raiders vs Colts Best Bets & Props
Over 43.5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Raiders offense has scored at least 17 points in three of their last four games and has eclipsed the 20-point mark in their last two contests. I expect the Raiders to be playing from behind and forced to throw.
O’Connell didn’t complete a pass in the last three quarters of their game against the Chiefs but didn’t need to, as their running attack got the job done. Against the Chargers, O’Connell had 248 yards passing and four touchdown passes.
The Colts conceded 24.8 points per game this season, which is 5th worst in the NFL. The Colts poor defense, coupled with their offensive firepower, is why the over 43.5 in this game is my NFL bet of the day.
Colts Over 23.5 (-115)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.75 units
The Colts have scored at least 27 points in two straight home games and average 23.6 points per game this season.
Their offense also has Jonathan Taylor back in the attack, forcing the Raiders to key in on the run. There is a possibility that WR Michael Pittman Jr. returns for the home side as well, which would greatly boost their offense.
Colts -3.5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
I expect the Colts to win this game at home and keep their hopes for a division title alive. There is a chance the Raiders will come out a bit flat after their huge win against the Chiefs, and the Colts are looking to bounce back.
Before their win at Kansas City, the Raiders had lost five straight games on the road, and I expect them to struggle this weekend. Back the Colts to cover the 3.5-point spread.
Raiders vs Colts Same Game Parlay
Raiders vs Colts SGP (+128)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Colts Over 20.5 (-185)
- Over 39.5 (-192)
- Colts (-185)
This SGP is a combination of some of my favorite picks for the game.
I took the Colts team total down three points for the parlay, as I expect them to score at least three touchdowns in this game.
I expect the Colts to win this contest and added their ML to the parlay, along with an alternate over.
