5 Bold Predictions for Jaguars vs. Colts

The Indianapolis Colts begin the Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen coalition on September 10th at 1 p.m. EST to face the defending AFC South champion Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium.

While SI SportsBook lists Jaguars as a 4.5 point favorite, there are still games within the game that will help determine the outcome. The Colts will look to silence doubters and progress new quarterback Richardson, while the Jaguars will seek to continue their divisional dominance with a Week 1 victory.

Here are five-bold predictions for the first-ever head-to-head clash of Trevor Lawrence and Richardson.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

#1.) Trevor Lawrence will Throw 2+ Touchdowns

The Colts do have a hungry and youthful defense that’s led by veterans like defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, and linebackers Zaire Franklin and Shaq Leonard. But, the secondary outside of Kenny Moore II is fresh to the league.

Names like rookie JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones; and second-year defenders Darrell Baker Jr. and Dallis Flowers are unproven and will face a dynamic receiving corps from the Jaguars.

Receivers Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk could be overwhelming for this Colts secondary. Also, tight end Evan Engram is essentially a larger receiver with somewhat equal quickness, making him a matchup issue for the Colts in most situations.

Mix this with Lawrence’s poise and accuracy in the pocket, and it will likely lead to two or more touchdown passes for the former first overall pick. Indy will also need an improved pass-rush, which was inconsistent last year. We’ll see if a new-look Colts defensive front can apply pressure. If not, Lawrence could catch fire.

#2.) Calvin Ridley will be Held in Check

Star-receiver Ridley hasn’t played NFL football in nearly two full years. This alone is a reason to temper expectations. However, given the chance the rust is gone and the 28-year old Ridley is up to speed, the Colts will make sure Ridley doesn’t destroy their secondary.

I believe Ridley has a pedestrian game of around four catches for 60 receiving yards. However, I expect fellow pass-catchers Engram and Kirk to have bigger games due to the attention Ridley will draw.

The Jaguars do have a solid running back in Travis Etienne. But, they still operate with the pass as the lead strategy. Expect some high-volume catches, but not from Ridley.

#3.) Anthony Richardson will Have 10+ Rushing Attempts

Athletic phenom Richardson will be something to adjust to for NFL defenses. Being the size he is and as quick and physical as he can be will take opposition by surprise. But, the rookie is still developing as a passer.

Insert his combine-busting athleticism.

Steichen will use Richardson’s feet, along with the running game, to get the passer into rhythm with the offense. However, he’s also fast enough to truly devastate a defense with some big runs.

This is the reason I think Steichen will allow Richardson to tote the pigskin 10 or more times before the fourth quarter is over.

#4.) Anthony Richardson will Have 2+ Touchdowns (1 Passing-1 Rushing)

Let’s get the rushing score out of the way. Steichen loves using the QB sneak with physically imposing field generals. He did this with Jalen Hurts over and over, so he’ll do this with Richardson the moment that football is on the goal line. I think this one happens.

As for the passing touchdown, it will go to Michael Pittman Jr. The reason? Pittman will be the volume receiver to kick off Richardson’s career. Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Kylen Granson, and Evan Hull will get their share of targets, it will be Pittman who gets the most, leading to a score.

#5.) The Indianapolis Colts Will Be Competitive but in a Losing Effort

The Jaguars are a cardiac-type of passing attack. Like the Tennessee Titans wear down defenses over four quarters with Derrick Henry and the ground attack; so do the Jaguars with the passing approach.

Now that Ridley is reinstated, Lawrence is unlocked, and Etienne/Tank Bigsby occupy the backfield, the Jaguars can attack from so many angles. The Colts are a motivated defense, but will not outlast the Jaguars.

The final score is 27-20 Jaguars. Despite this, Indy will push the divisional champs to the brink. Perhaps even taking the second contest like last year. Unlike 2022, they won’t be blown out and will be tenacious in their efforts.

Look for Steichen to keep it exciting and diversified with the offense and his new weapon in Richardson, something the Colts faithful all over the world have been waiting to see.

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Add us as a preferred source on Google