Black and Teal weighs in on Jaguars at the Colts

The Jacksonville Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in a battle of two 3-5 teams on Sunday from Lucas Oil Stadium. Both teams need this win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone told the media on Friday afternoon there have been no setbacks in the return of Leonard Fournette for this Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Marrone stopped short of saying his star running back would certainly play.

"“So far, no issues. That’s the one thing that has gone on. I think it is important. A lot of times you will see running backs, maybe during the preseason, not get a lot of snaps in a game, but they are practicing and going,” said Marrone.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdomJaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect nowJaguars News: This division rival might be making a big moveFormer Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways“I think that is a little bit of an easier transition than someone who hasn’t been practicing and going. We will see on Sunday, but he has done everything that we asked him to do. No setbacks, really nothing. Right now, he is completely healthy at this time at approximately 12:24 p.m.”"

There was laughter in his voice while talking about Fournette’s return, but the organization and the coaching staff knows a healthy Fournette means the Jaguars could run the ball more effectively this week. That might also mean a boost to this offense that has staggered most of the season.

To make matters a bit tougher, the Colts have played better football of late, and quarterback Andrew Luck has looked better with each week on the field.

This is no easy task as the Jaguars and Colts must win this one to continue the momentum in the second half of the season. Our staff here at Black and Teal weigh in on this week’s game and predict the score for the Jaguars and Colts set for kickoff on Sunday.

William Frost – Usually these feel like feel-good games for the Jaguars, but it doesn’t have the same feeling going into this week.

Whilst the Jaguars are in the midst of a miserable four-game losing streak, the Colts are playing better football than we’ve seen in years. In the last three games, their offensive line hasn’t allowed a single sack and they have recorded back to back games with 200 rushing yards for the first time since 1985.

I’m a little bit more than worried headed into Sunday. Close, but not close enough is going to be the story for either of these teams. Colts 24 Jaguars 17.

Kathy Clark – Each week I spend time researching the Jaguars opponents.  It’s fascinating to read about the positives and negatives of other teams and gives me a very different perspective.  This is a MUST WIN game for the Colts as well as the Jaguars.

That said… here is my one sentence comment.  The Colts have a less talented roster but a better quarterback.  The league is quarterback driven. Colts 30 Jaguars 17.

David Levin – I have been more excited about this game than I have been the past four weeks. These losses take a toll on the players, coaches, fans and yes, writers. It’s hard to see such a talented group take a beating with injuries and poor play.

The return of Fournette is a step in the right direction. The defense must come up big and sack Luck. The Colts offensive line is one of the best in the NFL. If the linebackers can play in space and help stop the run, this should be a better product on the field.

I am trying to pick with my head and not my heart. I think Jacksonville comes out and plays inspired football. Jaguars 23 Colts 21.

Andrew Scott – The Colts give up the 19th most rush yards in the league. With a week of rest and star running back Fournette back from injury, expect Jacksonville to return to the smash-mouth ground and pound offense we are so used to. This is especially true with the addition of Carlos Hyde. Jaguars win 21-17.

Lorenzino Estrada – The Jaguars are in a must-win scenario. This game will fall on Blake Bortles, as Fournette hasn’t seen game action since week four and it will take some time to get in back into the groove of things.

With A.J. Bouye out, Jalen Ramsey and the rest of Jacksonville’s defense will need to step up against Andrew Luck. Jaguars go into Indianapolis and get a much-needed win, 20-15