Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts: Friday Fact or Fiction

The Jacksonville Jaguars are finally back in EverBank Field this weekend as they open their 2014 regular season home slate against their division rival – the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams enter the game at 0-2, and some are seeing this as a “must-win” for the Colts given the hot start of the Houston Texans. The Jaguars are hoping to just put together a respectable performance after getting trounced last week at the hands of an undermanned Washington Redskins squad.

With all that in mind, here are my rock solid predictions for this week’s game:

Chad Henne will throw a touchdown pass: FICTION

Chad Henne has thrown 3 touchdown passes through the first 2 weeks, but he’s got an uphill battle this week against the Colts. With Marqise Lee already ruled out, Marcedes Lewis sidelined for 6-8 weeks, and questions about how healthy Cecil Shorts and Allen Hurns are, Chad is running out of guys to throw the ball to. Regardless of whether or not Henne should even be starting (he shouldn’t), the options at the skill positions don’t inspire a lot of confidence in this offense right now. The Jaguars are going to have to lean on the running game, which is kind of scary.

Toby Gerhart will average more than 3 yards per carry: FACT

Gerhart’s rushing totals so far are ugly – 50 yards on 25 carries. The Jaguars made a few changes along the offensive line with Luke Bowanko now at center and Sam Young at right tackle, and honestly it’s not like the run blocking could get much worse. At some point Toby is going to get into a groove and start producing at a respectable clip. The Colts defense is pretty bad, so this is a prime opportunity to get some confidence in the offensive line.

Andrew Luck will throw for over 300 yards: FACT

The Colts offensive line isn’t very good, but the Jaguars defensive line has not earned the benefit of the doubt after their atrocious performance last week in Washington. When Andrew Luck has time to throw, he can carve up a defense and put up huge numbers. The Colts are under some scrutiny for trying to rely too much on the running game last week and not letting Andrew Luck throw it up and down the field, so expect them to test the Jaguars defense through the air early and often.

The Jaguars have to put together a complete game and show some competence on offense before I can pick them to win another game. It’s the home opener and no one really expects the Jaguars to win. This is the perfect time to put Blake Bortles into the lineup and provide a spark, but it’s not going to happen. The Colts should win this one handily.

PREDICTION: Colts 28 – Jaguars 13