INDIANAPOLIS – Curious on some key numbers ahead of the Week 16 matchup between the Colts (7-7) and Raiders (11-3)?
Here are 10 numbers to keep an eye on with the Colts and Raiders kicking off at 4:05 p.m. EST on Saturday:
0
The number of times Andrew Luck was sacked in last week's win over the Vikings. For the first time all season, Luck did not get sacked one time. The offensive line, with three rookie starters, was tremendous in keeping Luck upright after he took 13 hits the previous week. It's not completely known yet if the Colts will juggle their line again with Denzelle Good and Joe Reitz returning to practice this week.
1
The number of playoff appearances the Raiders have had since 2002. Technically, this number won't become '1' until January rolls around. Jack Del Rio's second season in Oakland has the Raiders back in the playoffs. It's a team that has thrived on late-game drama in ascending to the top of the best division in football.
4
The consecutive number of games the Colts have won on the road. It's pretty crazy the Colts could win 5 road games this season and sweep the potential division champ (the Titans) and still miss the playoffs. Of course, three divisional losses to the Jaguars and Texans have the Colts in the position they are with two weeks left in the season.
5
The number of games the Colts need to go their way over the next two weeks to win the AFC South. For the Colts to win the AFC South, three things have to happen: the Colts win out (@Oakland, Jacksonville), the Texans lose out (Cincinnati, @Tennessee) and the Titans lose on Sunday to the Jaguars. Scoreboard watching begins at 1:00 for the Colts on Saturday (Titans @ Jaguars).
6
The number of rushing touchdowns for Robert Turbin this season. "Turbo" is what the Colts call their backup running back. Talk about a guy doing what is asked from him. Turbin plays special teams. Turbin blocks on third down and catches balls out of the backfield. Turbin makes plays in short yardage. It's led to a weapon behind Frank Gore, a consistent backup running back---something Andrew Luck has never really had.
7
The number of Pro Bowlers the Raiders have, the most in the NFL. A trio of the Oakland Pro Bowlers resides on the offensive line. The transformation in Oakland becoming a true contender started with the draft (Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper) and continued in free agency (four of the five starters on the offensive line and defenders Reggie Nelson and Bruce Irvin).
15
The positive turnover differential the Raiders have this season, the best in the NFL. After facing the league's second-ranked turnover ratio team last week, the Colts will see the top squad this Saturday. The Colts did force three turnovers last week, squashing any Minnesota hope of climbing back into the game.
32
The NFL ranking in penalties committed for the Raiders. This is a number you don't usually see from a team on the verge of securing a first-round bye. This and the lack of a dominant defense are really the only things holding Oakland back from a being a definite Super Bowl favorite.
63
The combined number of points the Raiders have outscored their opponents in the first and fourth quarters this season. Fast starts and faster finishes have been a staple of Oakland's run to 11-3 this season. The seven fourth-quarter comebacks start with an explosive offense and are finished off by a fierce edge-rushing duo.
109
The number of rushing yards Frank Gore needs to reach 1,000 for the season. Gore pushed back ahead of his 1,000-yard pace after last week's 101-yard outing against the Vikings. The balance the Colts had versus Minnesota was particularly impressive in last week's win. Keeping the ball away from Derek Carr and Oakland this Saturday wouldn't be a bad thing.
