Week 11 JaguarMaven Staff Predictions: Jaguars vs. Colts
The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) will face an AFC South rival this Sunday when the team travels to Indianapolis Colts (5-4) to kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium. This game means a lot for each team as both clubs try to pick up steam in the second half of the season.
In some preparation before the game, the JaguarMaven writing staff has come together to bring you our predictions of how we believe Jaguars vs. Colts plays out.
1. Jacoby Brissett will be without T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell on Sunday. How much do you think this impacts the matchup of Jaguars defense vs. Colts offense?
John Shipley: I think this obviously changes how the Colts will approach this game and that their tight ends, Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron, are going to be big factors. But with that said, Jacksonville typically does not radically change its scheme on defense to match an offense's personnel, so I still expect A.J. Bouye to shadow either Chester Rogers or Zach Pascal, just like he would if Hilton or Campbell were playing.
Andrew DiCecco: Well, Zach Pascal, Chester Rogers and Ashton Dulin are all capable of making plays, but keep an eye on Marcus Johnson -- a player I covered extensively in Philadelphia. He may be the most talented of the group, and has the downfield speed to get behind a secondary. With Brissett back in the saddle this week, the pass rush will need to bring their A-game because these pass catchers have shown the ability to win their matchups.
Brandon Eisenman: I don’t see this being much of a stinger to the Jaguars defense. This unit will come out firing on all cylinders. They’ll get to Brissett and stay on the ball all game long.
Trevan Pixley: I think it impacts it mightly, and this game could be won just based off of defensive performances as a result.
2. What would constitute a solid outing for Nick Foles in his first game back Sunday?
John Shipley: I think if Foles can show some comfort in the offense and have it moving on script with a good pace, then it should be considered a solid day. After not playing for eight games, Foles is going to need John DeFilippo to do his best to make things as comfortable and smoot around him as possible, and I think that happens thanks to DeFilippo's past with Foles. Once that happens, I think Foles will be trending in a positive direction in a big way.
Andrew DiCecco: With Nick, it won't be so much about the final stat line as much as it will be about establishing a rapport with his receiving corps. I'm looking to see if he has that chemistry with Chark, Dede and Conley. If he has that, the rest will take care of itself. Nick is a gamer.
Brandon Eisenman: A solid outing of around 250 yards and one or two passing touchdowns would be significant as Foles is back for the first time since Week 1. As long as he remains healthy the entire game and doesn’t take any big hits, Jaguars fans will finally get to see him play a full game in the teal and Black. that said, I don’t think he needs to be the difference-maker on offense to make an impact on the offense as a whole
3. Who has the advantage on Sunday: The Jaguars' pass rush or the Colts' offensive line?
John Shipley: I am going to go with the Jaguars' pass rush just because I feel like Yannick Ngakoue is primed for a big game. Some of his best games as a Jaguar have come vs. the Colts and that even includes last year. Now he has a true running mate who can hurt offenses on the other side of him in Josh Allen, so I think he can once again have a big day and will tilt the scale.
Andrew DiCecco: I'm going to say the Jaguars' pass rush. The Dolphins tested the Colts offensive line last week, leaving things on film that I think the Jags will look to exploit, and are coming off a bye week, so they should be fresh and ready to get after it. I'm feeling a big game from Josh Allen.
Trevan Pixley: It is a split because of the Colts' level of talent, but I am going to give a slight edge to the jags because I think they have the best defensive line in football.
Brandon Eisenman: The Jaguars’ pass rush will have the advantage. Although the Colts’ offensive line is solid, Jacksonville has played well defensively with the exception of a few games. Expect Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue to get into the backfield a few times during the game and earn sacks on Jacoby Brissett.
4. Which player do you think the Jaguars need to have a big game the most to win on Sunday?
John Shipley: This one will seem too obvious, but Nick Foles. If the veteran quarterback can make good decisions and help the offense be efficient in big moments, then I think Jacksonville has a great shot vs. the Colts.
Andrew DiCecco: I'll say Josh Allen. While he may have hit the rookie wall just prior to the bye, the off-week allowed him to recharge and I think you'll see that early-season burst on Sunday. If Brissett has time, he has proven that he can beat teams with his arm -- regardless of who he is throwing too.
Brandon Eisenman: Nick Foles needs to have a solid outing, but not necessarily a “big” game. This is his first start since Week 1. Yet again, remaining healthy is key. The veteran starter also needs to remain consistent and buy time in the pocket to make throws.
5. Final score prediction, and why?
John Shipley: I am going 24-20 Jaguars. I think this is going to be a true back and forth game that could go either way, but Nick Foles will be able to keep the Jaguars from making the costly mistakes that cost a victory otherwise.
Andrew DiCecco: 27-23, Jaguars. I'm banking on the return of Foles to invigorate the offense a bit here, but I think Fournette find enough early success to create opportunities to push the ball downfield and score some points. Big game coming for Dede Westbrook.
Trevan Pixley: 24-13 Jaguars. Nick Foles has a solid comeback and the Jaguars score a defensive touchdown at some point.
Brandon Eisenman: Jaguars 31-27. I just think Jacksonville has the advantage on both sides of the ball. Jacoby Brissett has been an advantage point for the Colts at quarterback vs. most teams, but with T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell out, that gives the Jaguars’ defense more opportunities. The offense will continue to work towards their ultimate goal as well of being consistent and managing the clock well enough to win the game.
