Indianapolis @ Las Vegas preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 24, 2016 ) Indianapolis 25, Oakland 33

One team hopes to claw its way back into contention in its division and the other just hopes to scratch out a much-needed victory when the Indianapolis Colts visit the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. The Colts ended a four-game slide with a dominant win over Buffalo last week while the Raiders spent their bye week licking their wounds after being trounced by Seattle in London.

Offense has not been a problem of late for Indianapolis, which has scored at least 34 points in three of its last four contests. Despite residing in the basement of the AFC South, the Colts entered Week 8 just two games behind Houston for first place and have showdowns with division rivals Jacksonville and Tennessee coming in the next few weeks. Oakland has been a major disappointment in coach Jon Gruden's return to the sideline as four of its five losses have been by eight points or more while its lone victory came in overtime. The Raiders will try to get in the win column without two key pieces on offense, as running back Marshawn Lynch (groin/core muscle) landed on injured reserve and receiver Amari Cooper was traded to Dallas.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Colts -3. O/U: 50.5

ABOUT THE COLTS (2-5): Andrew Luck, who recorded four touchdown passes without an interception last week, is salivating at the prospect of facing the Raiders. The 29-year-old has thrown for at least two scores and run for another in each of his last two meetings with Oakland. Adam Vinatieri, who aggravated a groin injury in the win over the Bills, hopes to be available Sunday as he is five points away from passing Hall-of-Famer Morten Andersen (2,544 points) to become the NFL's all-time leading scorer.

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (1-5): Doug Martin is expected to shoulder the load in the backfield with Lynch sidelined after making only 27 rushes for 99 yards over the first six games of the season. Rookie linebacker Jason Cabinda figures to make his NFL debut on Sunday after spending the first six weeks of the campaign on the practice squad. Oakland moves on to its third kicker this week as Daniel Carlson was signed to replace Matt McCrane, who was released on Tuesday after going 5-for-9 on field-goal attempts over three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Colts S Mike Mitchell was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week after registering seven tackles, an interception and a forced fumble against Buffalo.

2. Oakland promoted WR Marcell Ateman and OL Denver Kirkland from the practice squad.

3. Indianapolis' Eric Ebron leads all NFL tight ends with six touchdown catches.

PREDICTION: Colts 37, Raiders 17