The Indianapolis Colts (3-2) will be visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) on Sunday for a Week 6 matchup at TIAA Bank Field.
The sportsbooks have the Colts sitting as road underdogs and the experts around the league are siding heavily with the Jaguars to take a victory in this divisional matchup.
Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees this Week 6 matchup shaking out:
Kevin Hickey: Jaguars 24, Colts 21
The Colts have proven to be a scrappy and competitive team despite dealing with plenty of adversity throughout the first quarter of the season. Between the early drama regarding Jonathan Taylor and the injuries that have hit multiple positions, the Colts still stay competitive throughout every game.
Having lost their last eight road games against the Jaguars, there is a chance they pull off the upset and break the streak. But without Anthony Richardson providing that extra bump in explosive plays, the Colts offense becomes a bit more predictable. Gardner Minshew will be able to keep the unit afloat in this revenge game, but being without Braden Smith also hurts.
The Jaguars offense seems to be moving well right now. Both Travis Etienne and Calvin Ridley posted 100-yard games in London last week while Trevor Lawrence looks more like himself in recent weeks.
The Colts keep it close because of the front seven and their ability to run the ball, but the losing streak in Duval continues.
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
Cody Manning: Jaguars 24, Colts 21
The Indianapolis Colts are looking to end their eight-game skid in Duval County but they are going against a Jacksonville Jaguars team that has found their mojo the past two weeks.
Trevor Lawrence starts the game in a groove. The connection between him and Calvin Ridley give the Indy secondary fits throughout the afternoon. This leads to a few touchdown drives for the Jags offense.
The Colts offense finds some Minshew Mania as Gardner is able to pick apart the Jacksonville secondary to get into the redzone. They are able to keep pace with the Jags with a few touchdown drives of their own.
As it gets late in the fourth quarter, Josh Allen takes advantage of rookie Blake Freeland and gets a strip-sack fumble. Lawrence and the Jags offense are able to burn clock and kick the game-winning field goal.
Follow Cody on Twitter (@CodyTalksNFL)
Meghan Hall: Jaguars 27, Colts 20
The last time these two teams played in Jacksonville it got ugly. The Duval debacle netted a 24-0 Jacksonville win and became one the ugliest displays of Colts football I can remember. While I do think Indy puts up a much better fight this time (credit to Shane Steichen), I think the Jaguars still come away with the win on the backs of Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley.
Follow Meghan on Twitter (@ItsMeghanLHall)
Cody Felger: Jaguars 27, Colts 21
Until they finally do it, I have a hard time picking the Colts to win in Jacksonville. In their first meeting, Jacksonville was able to expose the inexperienced Colts secondary. Expect them to test this secondary all day long. While I think Indianapolis will keep this one competitive, the potential mismatch in the passing game will prove too be too much for Indy to overcome.
Follow Cody on Twitter (@CPFelger55)
Season Standings
Writer | SU | ATS |
Kevin Hickey | 3-2 | 4-1 |
Cody Manning | 3-2 | 3-2 |
Meghan Hall | 2-3 | 2-3 |
Cody Felger | 3-2 | 4-1 |