Colts vs. Jaguars: Staff picks and predictions for…

Colts vs. Jaguars: Staff picks and predictions for Week 1

The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are set for a division bout to open the 2023 season with a matchup Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Something will have to give here. The Colts haven’t won an opening-season game since 2013, and the Jaguars haven’t defeated the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium since the 2017 season.

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The sportsbooks have the Jaguars sitting as decent road favorites, and the experts around the league also are heavily siding with the reigning division champs.

Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees this Week 1 matchup shaking out:

Kevin Hickey: Jaguars 23, Colts 17

There certainly is room for an upset here if Anthony Richardson can make some big plays early, but the Jaguars have a pretty strong roster, including an impressive offense. The inexperience within the Colts cornerback room may be too much to overcome going against the likes of Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Whether Kwity Paye and the pass rush can constantly apply pressure will be the ultimate X-factor in this game.

When it’s all said and done, Richardson will have some impressive plays, especially on the ground, but the Jaguars offense will be able to find its groove against the young secondary enough to hold onto the win.

Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

Cody Manning: Jaguars 21, Colts 17

The Indianapolis Colts get off to a hot start to kick off the season behind Anthony Richardson’s legs. The new franchise quarterback for Indy makes some explosive plays in the first half that help lead to a couple scoring drives.

But, as the game goes, the Jacksonville Jaguars passing attack takes advantage of the inexperienced cornerbacks from the Colts and Trevor Lawrence finds a groove in the second half.

Follow Cody on Twitter (@CodyTalksNFL)

Meghan Hall: Colts 27, Jaguars 24

The Colts have a really tough task in facing the reigning AFC South champs. The Jaguars are much better on paper than the Colts are and a rookie quarterback makes that tougher. However, the Jaguars have lost nine of their last 10 games in Indy, no matter who the quarterback is. If Shane Steichen can find some quick wins for Anthony Richardson, such as throws that build confidence and speak to his abilities, I like the Colts’ chances for an upset.

Follow Meghan on Twitter (@ItsMeghanLHall)

Cody Felger: Jaguars 27, Colts 17

While I like the direction the Colts are headed, it’s no easy task trying to stop the Jaguars who nearly won in Arrowhead during the divisional round last year. Well, I do think Calvin Ridley is a tad overhyped, but I do think he offers another legitimate weapon for Trevor Lawrence. With the inexperience and questions at cornerback, it’ll be difficult to slow them down. While I do think the Colts will have success moving the ball at times, I think ultimately it’s not quite enough against Jacksonville.

Follow Cody on Twitter (@CPFelger55)