Five Things Learned: Colts-Raiders (2020, Week 14)

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» OFFENSIVE LINE SHUFFLING: The Colts headed into Sunday's game with some stability along their offensive line for the first time in a couple weeks, as veteran left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who had suffered a sprained MCL in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans and then missed last Sunday's win against the Texans, was able to return to the starting lineup. But early on against the Raiders, Castonzo was seen heading to the locker room with team trainers, once again creating a bit of a shuffle up front. At first the Colts put reserve Chaz Green in at left tackle, but for the next drive they showed a look not yet seen; it was Quenton Nelson, the All-Pro guard, moving to left tackle for the first time in his career, and Joey Hunt, who has spent most of the season on Indy's practice squad, filling in for Nelson at left guard. Castonzo was eventually able to return to, and finish out, the game, but perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that the offensive line was able to get some in-game reps with a different lineup to be better prepared for the unknown moving forward. "Those MCLs are no fun, especially as a lineman, as much as you have to anchor down and change directions laterally," Colts quarterback Philip Rivers said about Castonzo. "I mean, that's what you hate about it. He's been working hard to get back. Again, like I said, sooner than maybe anticipated; sooner than most guys would. So, we certainly appreciate his toughness in gutting it out. We also appreciate Chaz and Joey getting in the mix a little bit; Quenton going out there. Guys are fighting."


» PLAYOFF POSITIONING: The Colts knew entering Sunday's game against the Raiders that it would be a crucial opportunity to improve their playoff stock if they were able to get a win over another AFC contender; a loss, and those odds would decrease dramatically. In fact, according to fivethirtyeight.com, the Colts entered the Raiders game at the AFC's No. 7 seed, with a 70-percent chance of making the playoffs. With a win over Las Vegas, those odds would increase to 89 percent; a loss, and those postseason hopes dwindle to 47 percent. Now that Indy took care of business against Las Vegas, and after factoring in all the Week 14 results heading into tonight's Monday Night Football Matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens, the Colts have moved up into the No. 6 seed in the AFC and have a 91-percent shot of making the playoffs. If the Colts can beat the Texans this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, those odds jump to 97 percent (other teams' results notwithstanding). So far, the Colts are taking care of business in December, which could lead to opportunities in January — and maybe even beyond.


» NOTES OF INTEREST:


— The Indianapolis offense converted 8-of-11 (72.7 percent) third downs, tallied 456 total net yards, 212 rushing yards, didn't allow a sack and didn't commit a turnover. They also punted only one time. The team's 72.7 percent third-down conversion rate was the team's best mark since Week 11 of 2010 (78.6 percent).


— Kicker Rodrigo Blankenship converted three field goals and five extra points for 14 total points. He passed Raul Allegre (112) for the most points by a rookie in franchise history.


Click here to check out more stats and notes from Sunday's win over the Raiders, courtesy of Colts Communications.