Who's the Guy?
DeForest Buckner is the straw that stirs the drink for the Colts defense. The 6-foot-7, 295-pounder is a destructive force at the point of attack, exhibiting outstanding strength and power taking on double teams at the line. As an extra-large defender with superior length and sneaky athleticism, the one-time All-Pro is a challenge to neutralize at the line of scrimmage.
Know His Name
Jonathan Taylor has been in and out of the lineup due to various injuries, but the former NFL rushing champion remains a game changer with the ball in his hands. As a rugged, downhill runner with explosive strength, power and burst, Taylor can take it the distance from anywhere on the field on a hand-off designed to hit between the tackles or on the perimeter. Though he enters Week 17 averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, the Colts' running game begins and ends with No. 28 carrying the rock on crucial downs.
Don't Sleep On…
Michael Pittman Jr. has blossomed into a top-end WR1 during his four seasons with the Colts. The 6-foot-4, 223-pounder has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, including 1,062 yards in 14 games this season. As a big-bodied pass catcher with sticky hands and a "tough guy" persona, Pittman specializes in doing the dirty work in the passing game. With Gardner Minshew living in the RPO world, the super-sized playmaker will get plenty of looks on in-breaking routes at intermediate depth against the Raiders.
Under Pressure
Gardner Minshew is an experienced QB2 with significant starting experience. He has kept the Colts' playoff hopes afloat with his timely playmaking from the pocket. Though he is a streaky playmaker prone to egregious mistakes and miscues, the veteran is more than capable of winning a shootout when he gets into a rhythm early in a contest.
Matchup to Watch
Kwitty Paye, Samson Ebukam and Dayo Odeyingbo vs. Raiders offensive tackles
The Colts' ultra-athletic pass rushers are game plan destroyers on the edges. The trio has combined for 26 sacks and seven forced fumbles as designated pass rushers in an attack-style defense. With each pass rusher possessing exceptional first-step quickness and closing speed, the Raiders must be aware of their explosiveness and athleticism on crucial downs.
Offensive Strategy
Head Coach/offensive play-caller Shane Steichen is a creative play designer with an expansive playbook that features an assortment of RPOs and play passes to complement a diverse set of runs on the call sheet. The ultra-aggressive play-caller will relentlessly attack voids and soft spots created by the defensive front or coverage. He will combine an isolation route or simple two-man concept with a traditional running play to put a second-level defender in a bind. With Minshew comfortable making quick run-pass decisions based on the defense's movements, the Colts' RPO game is problematic for opponents unable to properly match the numbers at the point of attack.
Defensive Strategy
Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley wants to utilize a simplistic game plan that enables his players to play fast between the lines. The veteran assistant prioritizes effort and execution over complex schemes designed to trick the opponents. As a result, the Colts will align in a static front with minimal movement or pre-snap disguise to ensure defenders are always aligned in proper position before the snap. In addition, the Colts will feature a few basic zone coverages and man-to-man concepts with eliminating deep balls or big plays as the main objective. In theory, Bradley wants to play the odds that opponents are unable to drive the length of the field on 10-plus plays without a negative play (sack, tackle for loss, penalty or turnover) disrupting the drive. With the Colts also intent on eliminating deep balls and big plays with "top down" (defensive backs are taught to stay on top of receivers running vertical routes), the Raiders must exhibit outstanding poise and discipline attacking the coverage.
View photos of past matchups between the Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts as the Silver and Black prepare for their Week 17 matchup.
Raiders running back Roger Hagberg (3) rushes during the preseason home game against the Baltimore Colts at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, August 9, 1969, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Drew Buie makes a tackle during the AFC Championship postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Sunday, January 3, 1971, in Baltimore, Md.
Raiders linebacker Greg Slough (58) during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Colts at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 28, 1971.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) makes a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 1977. The Raiders won 37-31.
Raiders linebacker Monte Johnson (58) and defensive back Jack Tatum (32) make a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 1977.
Raiders Head Coach John Madden and running back Mark van Eeghen (30) celebrate following the AFC Divisional Round postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 1977.
Raiders defensive end Greg Townsend pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 25, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Eddie Anderson (33) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Eddie Anderson (33) and linebacker Winston Moss (99) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders tight end Doug Jolley (88) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders running back Amos Zereoue (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) passes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Josh McCown (12) passes to wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker/defensive end Chris Clemons (58) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha (21) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Chris Johnson (37) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy (18) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 8, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 8, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 8, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) and linebacker Marquel Lee (55) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders fullback Keith Smith (41) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) returns an interception for a 30-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) blocks as running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a catch and takes it 47-yard for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) eyes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes fir a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 2022, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 2022, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 2022, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) goes to make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) dives into the end zone on a 48-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
