We didn’t think it would take 14 years for the Oakland Raiders to make it back to the postseason, but they ended the prolonged drought and are in position to claim a division title. The Raiders made it to the Super Bowl back in the 2002 season and it certainly didn’t appear that an epic slump was in the making. Because it happened then, Jack Del Rio wants to make sure his club is prepared to go deep this postseason. The No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye are in the balance in a Week 16 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 16 game is set for Saturday, December 24, 2016, at 4:05 p.m. ET at Oakland Coliseum.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Indianapolis Colts +3.5
Oakland Raiders -3.5
Over/Under 53
Odds Analysis
The Colts have been the early pick of the betting public with 56 percent of the spread bets favoring the visitors. The action forced the line to drop from the opening of Raiders -4 to its current number. Some concern over the Raiders motivation after locking up a playoff spot may have something to do with early betting, but Oakland has plenty to play for, which makes them a smart pick with the line falling. Both teams have strong offenses, but the Raiders have been winning with defense lately, putting some value on the under.
Injury Report
Le’Raven Clark – Clark made his first career start on Sunday with fellow tackles Denzelle Good and Joe Reitz sidelined with injuries. Clark played well as part of an offensive line that didn’t allow a sack to the Vikings imposing front. But Clark sustained a shoulder injury and he could be limited when the bell rings on Sunday, leaving the Colts extremely thin on the outside against Khalil Mack.
Karl Joseph – Oakland’s starting safety missed his second straight game with a toe injury leaving Nate Allen to start in his place once again. The secondary performed well against San Diego, but the Chargers were minus several key receivers. Andrew Luck will air it out against a defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed.
Key Stat
The Raiders have been exceptional at forcing turnovers this season and they lead the NFL with a plus-15 turnover margin. Oakland had a pair of takeaways in its win over San Diego on Sunday and has forced at least two turnovers in six consecutive games. They are one of the best in the league at forcing and recovering fumbles with their 13 recoveries tied for the most in the league and their 26 total takeaways tied for third-most.
It’s been feast or famine for the Colts in the turnover department. Indy is minus-2 in turnover differential, but when they hold onto the football they’ve enjoyed plenty of success. The Colts have gone without committing a turnover four times this season and they are 3-1 in those games. Andrew Luck held onto the ball Sunday and the Colts didn’t commit a turnover in their 34-6 pasting of the Vikings.
Free ATS Pick
The Raiders finally got the monkey off their back with a group of talented young players who were groomed just for this. It’s been 14 years since the Raiders had a winning record and participated in the postseason, but both those streaks ended this season. And the Raiders aren’t settling for just a playoff berth. They want the division title and a top seed and need to keep winning with Chiefs right behind them.
The Colts are still alive in the playoff race but need plenty of help to get there. They also need to continue winning. They put their best game of the season together last week against Minnesota, thumping the Vikings with an impressive showing from Luck and a shutdown effort by the defense. But the Raiders have more weapons than Minnesota and an offensive line that is considered one of the best in the NFL. The Colts defense will be stressed against Derek Carr and his play-makers, forcing Luck to try and keep up. While the Colts had a turnover-free game against the Vikings, that won’t be the case while chasing the Raiders. This could be a track meet, but the total is too high.
NFL Odds: Raiders 26, Colts 21
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