The Las Vegas Raiders came up a few plays short on the road, falling 23-20 to the Indianapolis Colts.
In what was expected to be a physical contest, Sunday's game lived up to those standards. The Raiders defense got hit in the mouth early with a 50-yard pass from Colts QB Gardner Minshew to Josh Downs on third down. With the explosive play, the Colts capped of the drive with a 10-yard rush from Jonathan Taylor for a touchdown.
The Raiders responded on their own opening drive with three points off a 40-yard field goal from Daniel Carlson, converting on two third-and-long situations to get into scoring ranging.
The defense held their own early by forcing punts on three straight drives. Adam Butler got into the backfield for his fourth sack this season and second straight game with a sack.
Before the end of the first half, Minshew caught the Raiders secondary lacking for another explosive play – this time for a 58-yard touchdown to Alec Pierce.
Trailing 14-3 coming out of halftime, the offense leaned on Zamir White and Davante Adams to get them down the field for a score. The second-year running back had 23 rushing yards on the drive, with 71 rushing yards in the entire game.
An Aidan O'Connell four-yard TD pass to Adams brought the Silver and Black within four points.
However, Colts kicker Matt Gay connected on field goals on Indy's next two possessions. Carlson responded by hitting a 33-yarder with less than five minutes to make it 20-13. After a 45-yard field goal from Gay, the Raiders stormed down the field to bring it within three points thanks to another touchdown catch by Adams from O'Connell.
The quarterback/receiver duo connected on 13 passes for 126 yards
With no timeouts remaining, the Raiders went for an onside kick which was recovered by the Colts with 42 seconds remaining.
Despite now being eliminated from playoff contention, the Raiders will look to close their season on a high note with a divisional matchup at home against the Denver Broncos in Week 18.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick and 40-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) and center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (72) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) and kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
