Sunday represents another chance to bounce back for the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) as they travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts (2-4).
The game will be lasered into your eyeballs by your local CBS affiliate at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (+3)
O/U: 43.5
The History
The Jaguars and Colts have been in the same division since the NFL re-aligned in 2002. They’ve played 32 times with Indianapolis holding a 22-10 advantage in the all time series.
The two teams split their games last year. The Jaguars won 30-27 in London, England on October 2 and the Colts won 24-20 at Lucas Oil Stadium on New Year’s Day.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-3)
Troubles again in the passing game kept the Jaguars from any sort of comeback against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. Blake Bortles had a better game for him, completing 23 of 35 passing for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The problem was, the interception came deep in Rams territory and cost Jacksonville a chance at a field goal. It didn’t help that the Rams scored twice on special teams.
Leonard Fournette exited the game late with an ankle injury and is officially listed as questionable this week. I expect him to play, even though he didn’t practice all week. That was probably more of a precaution than anything else and head coach Doug Marrone knows exactly how important Fournette is to how well Jacksonville is going to do this year.
Back up offensive lineman Brandon Linder is out. Marquise Lee is questionable and was held out of practice most of the week. He did suit up Friday and I expect him to show up on the field Sunday too, even if it’s in a limited capacity. Lee led the Jags last week with five catches for 83 yards.
Jacksonville’s pass defense was still strong against the Rams. Jared Goff was 11 of 21 for 124 yards and a touchdown, but it was their run defense that was again the problem. The Rams rolled up 142 yards on the ground with Todd Gurley II carrying the ball 23 times for 116 yards. They sacked Goff three times.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-4)
The Colts are coming off a solid beat down at the hands of the Tennessee Titans. Indianapolis was in the game until the fourth quarter when they surrendered 21 points in the final bracket. Jacoby Brissett had another decent game stat-wise, completing 21 of 37 for 212 yards and a touchdown. But those kinds of stats don’t tell the tale. Indianapolis was 2-of-12 on third down in the game and couldn’t convert touchdowns in their red zone attempts.
With Marcus Mariota limited and in the pocket, the Colts defense sacked him just once and had four stops in the backfield. They did pick him off once.
Frank Gore continues what should be his farewell tour with Indy. He had 10 carries for 49 yards, but this team needs a significant upgrade at that position. Rookie Marlon Mack may be that guy and they continue to put him into the offense during key situations. Donte Moncrief continues to be a waste of a roster spot. He caught five passes for 67 yards, but a key dropped touchdown kept the Colts from putting any real pressure on the Titans.
Jack Doyle is Brissett’s most reliable passing target. He caught seven passes for 50 yards and a touchdown against the Titans.
Andrew Luck didn’t practice at all this week, though I’m sure he threw some. That means he won’t be playing next week either. So, prepare yourselves Colts fans.
The Pick
This is the exact game Jacksonville needed to show up on the schedule right now. The loss at home to the Rams wasn’t a season ender, but it had to be demoralizing. They could really put a beating on this Indianapolis team that might not be able to do much against one of the better defenses in the league. Jaguars 24, Colts 13
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 5-9
Against the spread: 5-9
Season
Straight up: 48-43
Against the spread: 43-48
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