Jaguars face the Colts: Predicting today’s game

The Jaguars and Colts meet in the first of their two games this season at Lucas Oil Field this afternoon.

Can the Jaguars come back from the bye week, with a change at quarterback and win an important AFC South matchup on the road? It’s something we have discussed for over a week now. Finally, after two weeks without live-action, football is back and means something here in North Florida.

While the big news for the Jaguars is the return of Nick Foles and the health of this roster, the importance of this game is just centered around the Black and Teal. Indianapolis needs this victory as well to remain in the playoff hunt.

The Colts, losers to Miami last week, have decided to stick with kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is having the worst season of his Hall of Fame NFL career. If the game comes down to a winning kick, you have to like Jacksonville’s chances in crunch time.

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"“It’s the same old song and dance folks,” writes Ryan Stano of Horseshow Heroes. “The Colts continue to leave points on the board because of a bad kicker, and yet they continue to stick with him. Once again, the Colts are deciding to stick with Adam Vinatieri. Frank Reich made that announcement today after practice [Thursday].”"

The Jaguars should have a different look in this game as the veteran Foles takes the field for the first time in 10 weeks after suffering a broken clavicle in the first quarter of the first game of the season against Kansas City. The offense should be more fluid.

On the other side of the ball, a healthy roster helps Jacksonville because the linebacking unit will be at full strength. That means Quincy Williams, Najee Goode and Leon Jacobs will all play. It also means Jake Ryan could see action as well.

The staff here at Black and Teal are at it again, giving their predictions about today’s game. The road to the playoffs begins in Indianapolis. See how we pick the winner of this important contest.

Lorenzino Estrada – Nick Foles is back for the Jaguars since week one. It will take some time for the former Super Bowl MVP to get into a rhythm — especially on the road — but going against a division rival with a banged-up quarterback should help.

Jacksonville is in must-win mode if they want to make the playoffs, and it starts with a 24-17 road victory.

Kathy Clark – The Jaguars had a week off and a chance to get healthy mentally and physically.  The coaches had a chance to look at the first half of the season and decide the adjustments that should be made.

The team has an experienced quarterback in Nick Foles. This game should be a win for the Jaguars.  Jaguars 28 Colts 24

David Levin – This is the week we should see how effective the offense can be in this offense. The offensive line must find a way to protect its quarterback and the running game must hit about 150 for the afternoon.

This is the kind of game that will set the tone for the rest of the season. The Jaguars need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. If you didn’t already know, Foles is pretty good in November and December. Jacksonville is counting on that. The visiting team wins big. Jaguars 34 Colts 7

Jennifer Shatzer – The Colts are going to have trouble prepping for our offense this week. Nick Foles has an amazing reputation, but no one has seen him. I am excited to see this healthier team, post by week come back and bring all of it.

This game is going to define the second half of the season. The Jaguars know that. Jaguars 22 Colts 21

Jesse Overby – With Nick Foles back under center the team gets a morale boost and gains confidence. After a dismal performance against the Texans in London, the Jaguars come out focused and have an edge to them.

I expect the defense to have their best performance yet this year and the offense to be upbeat with the franchise QB leading them again. The Jaguars jump out to a two-score lead and never trail. Jacksonville 27, Indy 17

Anthony Robertson – The Colts are coming off a draining loss to the Dolphins. The Jaguars just received a morale boost in Nick Foles returning. The playoff push has to start now for the Jaguars and it starts at the QB position. Foles is going to look well worth the wait in this game.
Jaguars 28 Colts 17