Jaguars and Colts Face Do-or-Die Showdown to Salvage Disappointing Seasons

Betting Odds and Team Overview

The Indianapolis Colts are favored by 5 points according to BetMGM NFL Odds. Both teams have performed somewhat inconsistently throughout the season, with the Jaguars posting a record of 8-7-1 against the spread, while the Colts are slightly better at 9-7.

In terms of overall team performance:

– Jaguars offense: Ranked 26th overall, with struggles in both the passing (23rd) and rushing (26th) categories, alongside a T25 scoring rank.

– Jaguars defense: Struggled throughout the season, ranked 31st overall, with their pass defense at 32nd and rush defense at 23rd.

– Colts offense: Ranked 15th overall, performing better in rushing (8th), but struggling with passing (26th) and scoring (T16).

– Colts defense: Also struggled, ranking 29th overall, with weaknesses in both pass (26th) and rush (26th) defense.

Jaguars Player to Watch: Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker

The Jaguars will be looking for a strong performance from defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Hines-Allen is just 2½ sacks away from breaking the franchise record of 55 sacks, held by Tony Brackens. Meanwhile, Walker is on the verge of becoming the second player in team history to record double-digit sacks in consecutive seasons.

Walker needs just half a sack to join Calais Campbell in that elite company.

Colts Player to Watch: Jonathan Taylor

For the Colts, running back Jonathan Taylor is the key player to watch. Taylor has been on a tear lately, rushing for 450 yards and five touchdowns in the past three weeks. He’s aiming for his fourth straight 100-yard game, which would match his career-best streak. Even if quarterback Anthony Richardson (currently dealing with back spasms) returns to the lineup, the Colts may not risk pushing him too hard, making Taylor the focal point of the offense.

Key Matchup: Kenny Moore vs. Brian Thomas Jr.

A key matchup to keep an eye on will be between Colts cornerback Kenny Moore and Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas has had a standout season, heading into the game with the eighth-highest total yards receiving (1,179) by a rookie in NFL history. However, Thomas will be up against Moore, one of the league’s top nickel cornerbacks. This matchup could determine whether the Jaguars’ offense finds success in the air or struggles to move the ball.

Injuries and Roster Notes

Jaguars injuries:

– Left tackle Walker Little will miss his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury, with Cole Van Lanen filling in again.

– Ventrell Miller (ankle) and Darnell Savage (concussion) are also expected to miss the game, further depleting the Jaguars’ defense.

Colts injuries:

– The status of Anthony Richardson remains uncertain, and he would have missed practice on Wednesday if there had been a full session.

– JuJu Brents, the Colts’ starting cornerback, is expected to return from injured reserve this week, which could provide a boost to their defense.

Series Notes

The Jaguars have had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning the last three meetings and five of the past six. Jacksonville’s victory in the 2022 season finale knocked the Colts out of playoff contention. The Jaguars will be looking for their second straight season sweep and only the fourth sweep since the two teams became AFC South rivals in 2002. However, the Colts have a strong home-field advantage, with a 17-6 record at Lucas Oil Stadium, including five wins in their past six home games.

Key Stats and Storylines

– The Jaguars have won just 5 of their last 22 games, with three of those wins coming against division rivals Tennessee and Indianapolis.

– Jaguars coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke are both under pressure, with a combined record of 23-29 over three seasons. If the Jaguars don’t secure a win, it could signal the end of their tenure.

– Brian Thomas Jr. is just 21 yards away from becoming the seventh rookie in NFL history to reach 1,200 yards in a season. A 135-yard performance would elevate him to the fifth-most receiving yards by an NFL rookie, surpassing the likes of Michael Clayton, Odell Beckham Jr., and Randy Moss.

– Travis Etienne is only six receptions away from surpassing Leonard Fournette (134) for the fourth-most receptions in franchise history for a running back.

For the Colts, the season has already ended in disappointment, but key players still have individual records to chase:

– Jonathan Taylor needs one more touchdown to surpass Lenny Moore’s franchise record of 55 touchdowns through a player’s first five seasons.

– Michael Pittman Jr. is coming off his best game of the season, with nine receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown.

Fantasy Tip

With both teams having little to play for in terms of postseason aspirations, Jonathan Taylor is the most obvious fantasy play. The Jaguars’ defense has struggled to stop the run, and Taylor’s recent hot streak makes him a reliable choice for anyone looking to make a strong fantasy push.

While the Jaguars and Colts have both had disappointing seasons, there’s still plenty to play for in Week 18. Whether it’s individual milestones or the chance to finish strong, both teams will be looking to end the season on a high note. The Jaguars are aiming for a season sweep of the Colts, while Indianapolis hopes to showcase its key players for one final performance before heading into the offseason.