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Las Vegas got off to a fast start against Indianapolis on Sunday but the Colts scored consecutive touchdowns before and after halftime to take the lead. The Raiders, led by wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, used every second of regulation before a last-second Daniel Carlson field goal won the game for the second time in three weeks.
Wide receiver Zay Jones stepped up to deliver some big plays while the run game was hardly able to establish any momentum. On the other sideline, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the 10th time this season.
Why the Raiders won
Big plays from the Raiders' offense and special teams ultimately doomed the Colts. Las Vegas was set up in good field position with a few returns. The offense produced three plays of 20-plus yards. Those big moments allowed the team to overcome two Derek Carr interceptions and a relatively ineffective ground game. Josh Jacobs got off to a good start but came up hobbled after one play and that summed up their rushing efforts.
Why the Colts lost
Indianapolis had a difficult time extending drives. The Colts were just 3 of 11 on third-down conversions. Carson Wentz was not particularly crisp in his return from the reserve/COVID-19 list. He was completing just 50% of his pass attempts in the first half and it took a Las Vegas interception to get the Colts in a position to score their first touchdown. To that point, the offense really struggled outside of Taylor.
Play of the game
It was third-and-10 with 54 seconds remaining when Carr dropped back and found Renfrow, who ran a slant across the field. Renfrow caught the ball, lost his balance and fell to the ground before racing into the end zone. Initially, officials ruled it a touchdown but replay discovered that Colts defensive back Kenny Moore III had a finger on Renfrow as he was falling down so the play was brought back and a 48-yard touchdown reception became just a 24-yard gain.
It served as a crucial conversion en route to the game-winning field goal from Carlson.
Renfrow accumulated seven receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown. He is now just eight receptions away from tying tight end Darren Waller's franchise record for most receptions in a single season (107).
What's next?
The Raiders will end the regular season at home against the Chargers and a win puts Las Vegas in the postseason. Indianapolis is on the road against Jacksonville and will also clinch a berth with a victory.
