Colts Keep Playoff Hope Alive, Topple Raiders at Home

The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 23-20, aiding in their efforts to grab a spot in the postseason with next week's regular-season finale.

The Indianapolis Colts have been involved in a heated battle for AFC playoff positioning throughout the season, and on Sunday they strengthened their chances by defeating another AFC postseason competitor in the Las Vegas Raiders, 23-20.

The Colts (9-7) came into the game on a bit of a roller coaster, having won four games in a row and then dropping two of the next three. Meanwhile, the Raiders (7-9) appeared to become a much tougher team recently under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, also winning their last two contests.

The two teams traded four scores in the fourth quarter but in the end, the Colts did enough on offense, defense, and special teams to hold on and defend their home turf of Lucas Oil Stadium.

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STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: QB Gardner Minshew | 15-of-23 (65.2%), 224 yards (9.7 YPA), 1 TD, 111.5 rating 

Rushing: RB Jonathan Taylor | 21 carries, 96 yards (4.6 avg.), 1 TD

Receiving: WR Alec Pierce | 1 reception (1 target), 58 yards, 1 TD

Tackles: LB E.J. Speed | 12

Sacks: DT DeForest Buckner, DE Tyquan Lewis | 1.0

Takeaways: None

Kicking: K Matt Gay | 3-of-3 field goals (100%), 2-of-2 extra points (100.0%)

Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 3 punts, 49.7-yard average

Returns: None

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For those watching the scoreboards around the league, the Buffalo Bills (10-6) beat the New England Patriots, the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) beat the Carolina Panthers, and the Houston Texans (9-7) beat the Tennessee Titans.

In other games of consequence, later in Week 17, the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) face the Seattle Seahawks, the Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) face the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6), and the Denver Broncos (7-8) face the Los Angeles Chargers.

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