Colts Cast: Colts solidify themselves as true contenders in Week 14 rout of Raiders

The Indianapolis Colts came into their Week 14 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders needing to prove that they could not only hang with legitimate playoff contenders, but that they were capable of throwing a knockout blow to a contender. The Colts answered that question in resounding fashion with a 44-27 blowout over the Raiders in Las Vegas. Philip Rivers was efficient, Jonathan Taylor led the Colts' running game with 150 yards, T.Y. Hilton followed up his coming out party in Week 13 with two more touchdowns in Week 14, and Kenny Moore spearheaded the Colts' defense with a forced fumble and an insane interception. This wasn't just a blowout win for the Colts, it was a complete game on all phases when the team needed to show it could be efficient, and consistent throughout four quarters. The Colts scored in all four quarters, sustained four drives (of their nine possessions) of at least 10 plays, were 8-11 on third downs offensively, and put up 13 points on the three turnovers that they forced. The Colts are set to finish the season with the Houston Texans in Week 15, the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, and finish the season hoping to avenge a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17. The Colts are in the thick of the AFC playoff picture with a host of other teams including a real shot at taking the AFC South if they can somehow go up a game on the Tennessee Titans over the final three weeks of the season. Every game becomes as important as the last with the bubble teams knocking on the Wild Card door as well, and the Colts cannot afford to take any steps back with such a slim margin for error. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices