Raiders Run Past Colts, Advance to Divisional Round Behind Dominant Ground Attack

LAS VEGAS, NV- Max Farias and the Las Vegas Raiders are moving on after delivering one of their most complete performances of the season.

Powered by a devastating rushing attack, timely defensive takeaways, and an efficient outing from quarterback Desmond Newman, the Raiders rolled past the Indianapolis Colts 38-17 on Wild Card Weekend at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas piled up 460 offensive yards, rushed for 232 yards, and controlled the game after a competitive first half, turning a close contest into a statement victory in front of a roaring home crowd.

"We knew we had to set the tone physically," Raiders coach Max Farias said afterward. "This time of year, everybody's talented. The difference is who can impose their will for four quarters, and I thought our guys did that tonight."

Raiders offense explodes after early back-and-forth

The Colts struck first midway through the opening quarter when Daniel Jones connected with Alec Pierce for a 39-yard touchdown, briefly silencing the crowd at Allegiant Stadium.

But the Raiders immediately answered.

With just two seconds left in the first quarter, Desmond Newman found Brock Bowers for a 2-yard touchdown that tied the game and ignited the offense. From there, Las Vegas never truly lost control again.

Newman was outstanding in his playoff debut, completing 15 of 21 passes for 239 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions while posting a 148.6 passer rating.

"I just trusted the guys around me," Newman said. "Coach put together a great plan, the line protected, and our skill guys made plays all night."

The biggest star, however, was rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.

Jeanty shredded Indianapolis for 179 rushing yards on only 17 carries, averaging more than 10 yards per attempt. His electrifying 65-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter completely shifted momentum and gave Las Vegas the lead for good.

"He's special," Farias said of Jeanty. "You can feel defenses wearing down when he gets rolling."

A.J. Dillon added 49 rushing yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown as the Raiders closed the door.

Colts can't keep pace after halftime

For a while, Indianapolis looked capable of hanging with the AFC South champions.

Daniel Jones threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns while adding 74 rushing yards, repeatedly escaping pressure and extending drives with his legs. Alec Pierce led the Colts with 105 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Josh Downs added another score in the second quarter.

Trailing only 21-17 late in the first half after a 56-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn, Indianapolis appeared positioned to make it a four-quarter fight.

Instead, Las Vegas dominated the second half.

Daniel Carlson drilled a 54-yard field goal midway through the third quarter before Newman found rookie receiver Jack Bech for another touchdown to push the lead to 31-17.

The Raiders defense then slammed the door shut.

"We just settled in," Raiders safety Jessie Bates III said. "Early on, they hit a couple explosive plays, but after halftime we communicated better and started flying around."

Indianapolis managed only three second-half points while struggling to contain the Raiders front.

Defense forces key mistakes

Las Vegas' defense produced several momentum-changing plays, including an interception by Darien Porter and multiple forced fumbles that prevented Indianapolis from sustaining a comeback.

Jessie Bates III led the defense with two sacks and helped disrupt Jones throughout the night, while Jeremy Chinn, Jordan Whitehead, and Cody Barton all contributed forced fumbles.

The Raiders finished with three sacks, an interception, and two takeaways overall.

Colts coach Shane Steichen credited Las Vegas for controlling the line of scrimmage.

"They were the better team tonight," Steichen said. "We had opportunities early, but we didn't finish drives consistently enough and they made us pay."

Despite the loss, Indianapolis finished the season with 11 wins and secured a playoff berth in a competitive AFC field.

Up Next

The Raiders now advance to the AFC Divisional Round, where they will host the lowest remaining seed in the conference. If the No. 7 Chargers upset the No. 2 Bills, Las Vegas would face Los Angeles. Otherwise, the Raiders will host the winner of the No. 5 Chiefs and No. 4 Texans matchup.