Colts vs. Jaguars
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line:
Colts by 8
Colts’ keys to victory: While the Jags have never fared well against Philip Rivers, the Indianapolis run game may be the key. After finishing 28th against the run last season, Jacksonville tried to boost its rush defense with the additions of Al Woods and Rodney Gunter. Neither will play this season, however — Woods opted out and Gunter was recently diagnosed with a heart condition. The rushing abilities of Jonathan Taylor and Marlon Mack could set up the play-action pass. That’s where Rivers can test a young secondary.
Jaguars’ keys to victory: Last season, QB Gardner Minshew II delivered to his receivers and was effective at the mid-to-deep level of Indy’s defense. A similar approach may be the answer this week, especially considering Jacksonville has more size at receiver with the additions of Tyler Eifert, Laviska Shenault Jr. and Collin Johnson. If the ball is spread around, opportunities should open up for Jags running backs in veteran Chris Thompson, second-year player Devine Ozigbo and rookie James Robinson.
Matchup to watch: Jaguars DTs Taven Bryan and Timmy Jernigan vs. G Quenton Nelson. Last season, Bryan was a handful for Nelson. However, it’s unknown whether Bryan will play as he deals with a knee bruise. Jernigan could see snaps. Regardless, beating the Colts in the interior would hinder the run game and put pressure on Rivers, who is not mobile.
Who wins? Jacksonville is young (16 rookies on initial 53-man roster). And then consider how it fares vs. the run.
Colts, 35-24