Week 8: Indianapolis Colts vs. Oakland Raiders Preview

by
Former Writers
October 28, 2018

SUNDAY SAMURAI via Flickr

1-5 Raiders In Full Rebuild Mode Look To Knock Down 2-5 Colts In Week 8

A matchup between these two struggling AFC teams could be a fight to the end. The Indianapolis Colts broke their four-game losing streak last week after almost shutting the Buffalo Bills out 37-5. The Oakland Raiders are on a two-game losing streak. Their only win came in overtime against the Cleveland Browns back in Week 4.

Oakland’s Struggles

The Raiders have allowed 29.3 points per game so far this season. This is the most by Oakland since 1961. They have also been allowing 398.5 yards per game, ranking 26th overall in the NFL. Four Raiders have each recorded an interception. Although this is already more than what the Raiders recorded last season, their struggles continue. The Raiders have only been able to account for seven sacks, while their opponents so far this season have been able to push through for 17. As well as only forcing three fumbles and receiving two of them.

Quarterback Derek Carr had an outstanding 2016 season before he broke his fibula and was unable to carry the Raiders through the playoffs. The trade of wide receiver Amari Cooper seems like a loss, but the silver and black was able to pick up previous Green Bay Packers’ star wide receiver Jordy Nelson.

Only 16% of the Raiders’ draft picks are still apart of the team, which is the lowest rate in the NFL.

Andrew Luck And The Colts

Luck returned this season after not playing all of 2017 due to a shoulder injury. Although his team is 2-5, Luck has shown some glimpse of his old self. He now has three or more touchdown passes in four straight games. This is currently the longest streak in the NFL and second-longest streak in Colts’ franchise history. They destroyed the Buffalo Bills last week because Luck was on fire. Only six incompletions and four touchdown passes. Luck now has 150 touchdown passes and is only the third in Colts’ history to do so.

The return of running back Marlon Mack has been great for the Colts’ running game. Mack rushed for a career-high 126 yards in Week 7. If he hits 100 again this week against the Raiders, he will be only one of three Colts’ running backs since 2000 to have rushed for over 100 yards in consecutive games.

Fantasy Implications

Indianapolis’ tight end Eric Ebron has his ups and downs, yet he has six touchdowns so far this season. Luck, Ebron, and Mack can be a trio to look out for. When they’re all hot, the Colts can be unstoppable. Starting Ebron or Luck should be high priorities.

With Amari Cooper now apart of the Dallas Cowboys, WR Jordy Nelson and TE Jared Cook will see more targets. Nelson put up huge numbers in Green Bay, and when he is targeted in high amounts, he can do so. RB Marshawn Lynch has been placed on IR (injured reserve), meaning RB Doug Martin will be the focal point of the Raiders’ run game. Martin can find holes and break through lines. With the Colts’ 23rd ranked defense, starting Nelson and Martin could be an excellent way to rack up some fantasy points.