Jaguars (1-14) at Colts (10-5)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Colts by 14
Colts’ keys to victory: When QB Philip Rivers is protected, he produces strong numbers. Indy will also want to lean on rookie RB Jonathan Taylor, who has been on fire over the last month with five rushing touchdowns over the last five games. Keeping WR T.Y. Hilton involved in the passing game will be vital as well. The Colts must make sure they don’t abandon the run game like they did against the Steelers in Week 16.
Jaguars’ keys to victory: The offense has struggled for the majority of the season, and running it through RB James Robinson gives them their best chance to stay in this game. The Jaguars found success against the Colts earlier in the season working the quick passing game, which helped negate Indy’s pass rush. Defensively, the Jaguars will have to find a way to stop Rivers and the passing attack, especially on underneath routes. The Colts will want to run the ball, but the Jaguars have to be careful of stacking the box against Taylor. DE Josh Allen has been on the injured reserve list, so Dawuane Smoot and rookie K’Lavon Chaisson will have to lead the pass rush.
Matchup to watch: Colts DT DeForest Buckner vs. Jaguars G A.J. Cann. The Colts will be looking to dominate the trenches, and they can do so with a big game from Buckner. He’s their best player, and Cann is arguably the best offensive lineman on the Jaguars.
Who wins? The Colts are coming off a brutal loss and have to win to get into the playoffs. They will be angry and looking to exact revenge after dropping their first matchup in Week 1 to Jacksonville.
Colts 28-16