Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 13th at 4:05 PM ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Betting Odds: IND -3.0, 51.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback
Philip Rivers (Start, QB2)
It would be wise to temper expectations for Philip Rivers against a Raiders defense that has struggled mightily against the run. Despite 4 straight games over 285 passing yards, with 3 of those yielding multiple touchdown passes, Rivers has only reached 20+ fantasy points in 1 of those starts. Leaning on the dynamic running game has crept steadily into this Colts offense and the days of 300+ yards with multiple scores looks to be over for the veteran signal-caller.
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor (Start, RB2), Nyheim Hines (Start, FLEX), Jordan Wilkins (Sit)
Rookie Jonathan Taylor is now at the head of this backfield after his 2nd successive game with 100+ scrimmage yards. What was more encouraging was the sight of his 1st receiving touchdown in the NFL. Taylor had been sparsely used as a pass-catcher due to the involvement of Nyheim Hines as a specialist, however, he now has 28 catches on 29 targets with 7 of those coming in the last 2 outings. That kind of volume could nudge Taylor up into the RB1 talk. There is still plenty of work for Hines also, who added his 7th score of the season at the weekend. The Raiders defense currently gives up the 4th most fantasy points to running backs. Both Taylor and Hines are confident starts this week.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
T.Y Hilton (Start, WR2), Michael Pittman Jr. (Start, FLEX), Jack Doyle (Start, TE2), Trey Burton (Sit), Mo Allie-Cox (Sit)
The late-season renaissance is well and truly alive for veteran wideout T.Y. Hilton, who notched up his 1st 100-yard effort since Week 16, 2018 against the Texans at the weekend. He set new season highs for targets (11), catches (8), and receiving yards (110) to remind us he still has plenty of fantasy value down the stretch. His leadership presence in the young Colts locker room is also invaluable. Hilton should see plenty of volume and production against a miserly Raiders defense that is currently giving up over 35 points per game through the last 3 weeks. Rookie Michael Pittman Jr. was steady away last week, catching 5 passes on 5 targets for 46 yards but drew the annoyance of Frank Reich over 2 false start penalties. He still has upside against this Raiders team and is a solid FLEX option.
The tight end conundrum in Indy is no closer to revealing a prize asset as Trey Burton, Jack Doyle and Mo Allie-Cox shared 9 targets, 5 catches, and 36 yards almost evenly. Doyle seems to be the guy near the red zone so if you have to plump for one of these guys, go with Doyle.
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Derek Carr (Start, QB2)
It is hard to say you should sit Derek Carr a week removed from finishing as the fantasy QB1 in Week 13, but the matchup here is tough. Carr’s stats were buoyed by that game-ending bomb to Henry Ruggs that saved the Raiders from going down to the now 0-12 Jets. He certainly isn’t going to see that freedom down the field with the Colts’ impressive two-deep zone defense, so he will likely be limited to throws in the short to intermediate whilst also trying to get the run game going. The Colts defense has given up 96 points over the last 3 games so Carr should still give you solid QB2 numbers.
Running Backs
Josh Jacobs (Start, RB2 if active), Devontae Booker (Sit), Jalen Richard (Sit)
It isn’t looking too good for Josh Jacobs, who sat out another practice on Wednesday due to his ankle injury. If he is active you feel like he is a must-start despite the injury and the tough matchup – it is the playoffs after all. If he misses out then do not contemplate starting Devontae Booker who looked awful against the Jets. Booker carried the ball just 16 times for 50 yards and looked pedestrian at best. He hardly featured in the passing game either. Look elsewhere if Jacobs fails to suit up.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Nelson Agholor (Start, FLEX), Henry Ruggs III (Sit, FLEX), Hunter Renfrow (Sit, FLEX), Darren Waller (Start, TE1)
There is little to no hope of finding anything more than WR2 production from these wideouts after a dismal showing against a terrible Jets secondary. Nelson Agholor saw a season-high 11 targets but ended up with just 4 catches for 38 yards as he seemed to be on a totally different wavelength with Carr. Rookie Henry Ruggs had just 2 receptions on 3 targets before burning Jets cornerback Lamar Jackson to win the game with a 46-yard score after Gregg Williams‘ idiotic and fatal all-out blitz. Hunter Renfrow again failed to make a significant impact despite 6 targets.
It is a different story altogether for Darren Waller, who cooked the Jets for 200 yards and 2 TDs on 13 catches on 17 targets. A career day for the unheralded tight end who embodies the professionalism and worth ethic you want from a football player. It is hard not to root for Waller and he has established himself as the best of the rest behind Travis Kelce this season. He is a must-start through your playoff run.
-Benjamin Haller (@benjaminhaller1 on Twitter)