Top 5 Graded Colts From Week 17 Win vs. Raiders

Pro Football Focus gave a specific unit of the Indianapolis Colts some love after they imposed their will on the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) secured a massive win over the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) 23-20 as they inch closer to a playoff berth.

After a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons a week ago, head coach Shane Steichen voiced confidence in his group that they would bounce back. The Colts proved Steichen right, as they combined explosive pass plays with effective runs and dominated the Raiders up front. The victory sets up a win-and-in scenario this week for Indy against the Houston Texans.

According to the grades from Pro Football Focus, numerous players performed at a high level in the Colts' win. Let's dissect the five players who graded out the highest for the Colts on Sunday and analyze their performances.

Note: The player must have played at least 25% of the snaps to be eligible.

1.) OT Bernhard Raimann - 87.8 Overall Grade

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When determining which Colt has had the biggest breakout campaign in 2023, Bernhard Raimann has to be near the top of the list. The second-year left tackle has improved leaps and bounds from his rookie season. He continued his strong season against the Raiders.

Raimann is this week's highest-graded Colts player, with an overall grade of 87.8. Raimann's 88.9 run blocking grade was a team-best, opening holes for Jonathan Taylor and Trey Sermon on the left side. His 78.7 pass blocking grade ranked second on the Colts, allowing no sacks, QB hits, or pressures on the afternoon.

Raimann continues his climb up the ladder as he now finds himself as the No.4 ranked offensive tackle in the NFL. If there was any doubt remaining that Raimann is the Colts' franchise left tackle, there is not anymore.

2.) CB JuJu Brents - 85.9 Overall Grade

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With Kenny Moore II (back) and Julian Blackmon (shoulder) out, the young Colts' secondary was put to the test. Luckily, rookie JuJu Brents answered the call. The second-round pick finished the game with six tackles and three passes defended.

Brents was the highest-graded defender for the Colts on Sunday and the second-highest-graded player overall, with a grade of 85.9. The rookie shined in coverage, posting a team-high 87.4 grade after forcing three pass breakups and keeping Davante Adams in check. His 68.7 run defense grade tied for fourth-best on the Colts after Brents recorded two stops.

Brents is improving each week and looks to be a legitimate starter for the Colts. As long as he can stay healthy, the future looks bright for Brents in Indy.

3.) G Quenton Nelson - 81.7 Overall Grade

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Raimann was not the only offensive lineman on the top-five list this week. Quenton Nelson returned as well, as the All-Pro guard made his presence felt throughout the game against the Raiders.

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Nelson was the third-highest-graded Colt against the Raiders, with an overall grade of 81.7. His 78.8 run blocking grade also ranked third on the Colts, as Nelson was continually used as a puller to lead block for the group of running backs. Nelson also had a 71.4 pass blocking grade, ranking seventh on the team after allowing just one pressure on the day.

After a down year last season, Nelson looks back to his All-Pro form. His resurgence in play has been a major reason the Colts' offensive line has performed well this season.

4.) C Ryan Kelly - 79.1 Overall Grade

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With the way the Colts dominated the Raiders up front, it is no surprise to see a third offensive lineman make the list. Ryan Kelly continued his resurgent year, proving crucial in the middle of the Colts' line.

Kelly placed as the fourth-highest-graded Colt, coming in with a grade of 79.1. His 82.3 run blocking grade ranked second only to Raimann, as Kelly helped pave the way for crucial runs down the stretch. However, Kelly's pass blocking grade of 50.7 was a team-worst (for those who qualify) despite allowing just one pressure and one hurry.

Overall, Kelly is back to his Pro Bowl self, ranking as the No.7 center in the NFL. It is good to see Kelly playing at a high level after a couple of down years, both on and off the field.

5.) WR Alec Pierce - 72.7 Overall Grade

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Rounding out the top five is the player who made the biggest play of the day for the Colts. Alec Pierce connected on a deep ball from Gardner Minshew that would help spring the Colts to a lead the Raiders could never overcome. Pierce had one catch for 58 yards and a touchdown in the victory.

Pierce was the fifth-highest-graded Colt from Sunday's contest, with an overall grade of 72.7. Despite the lone catch, Pierce's 72.8 receiving grade was a team-best as he hauled in the longest play of the afternoon for the Colts offense. His lone target resulting in a touchdown also gave him a perfect QB rating when targeted on the day.

Pierce has not had the year he had hoped for. But plays like he made on Sunday show how dangerous he is as a deep threat and what he could potentially do when Anthony Richardson returns next season.

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