Colts @ Raiders
Graham Tiedtke
The Indianapolis Colts (2-5) head to the Black Hole this week to face Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders (1-5). It’s no secret that the Raiders are a mess.
Again, they got rid of Khalil Mack, who’s having a great year for the Chicago Bears; they put running back Marshawn Lynch on injured reserve; and most recently, the team traded wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Raiders look like a team that is trying to rebuild. However, the moves they have made are highly questionable. I just don’t get it.
Indianapolis is a 3-point favorite at Oakland on Sunday. It would not surprise me at all if the Colts beat Oakland by more than that.
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has 20 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions on the year. His touchdown count ranks second, to just Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He’s tied for third in the league with four players with eight interceptions.
As a team, the Raiders’ defense is tied with multiple teams for 22nd with just four defensive interceptions.
Colts 28, Raiders 16
Baylor Bradac
In week eight, the (1-5) Raiders will play host to the (2-5) Colts in Oakland. Two bottom of the barrel teams playing for bragging rights.
For me, this game is an easy pick. The Raiders are in complete rebuild right now and the Colts have Andrew Luck. The Raiders have lost to some pretty questionable teams these year, and despite their record, the Colts are absolutely a good football team.
The Colts need to focus on staying disciplined and not giving away penalty yards, and getting on the board early, forcing the Raiders to play under pressure.
Unless the Raiders get some turnovers, I can’t see this game ending in a win for anyone other than the Colts.
Colts 31, Raiders 17