The Jacksonville Jaguars are 8-4 going into their Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. With a win, they'll take sole possession of the top spot in the AFC South, so it's not hyperbole to say that this game will have huge implications in the race for the division crown.
Surprisingly, the Jags are a 1.5-point underdog for the game despite the fact that Indianapolis hasn't won at EverBank since 2014. Then again, the Colts aren't an opponent that can be taken lightly. Sure, quarterback Daniel Jones isn't at full strength, but running back Jonathan Taylor could carry his team on his shoulders.
On the other hand, the Jaguars also have enough talent to repel Indy. Moreover, they know how critical this game will be and are preparing accordingly.
The Jaguars know the stakes will be huge vs. the Colts
Vicepresident of football operations Tony Boselli called this the most important game in franchise history (1:14:22 mark). Liam Coen was asked about the remarks when he met with the local media Friday and seemingly echoed the sentiment.
"Yeah, that's definitely something that Tony's mentioned a lot, and it kind of goes into the same theme of trying to go 1-0 each week, because, like, you truly cannot take for granted any of these opportunities in the National Football League," Coen said. "Like you take one of those for granted, and you're going to see yourself on the bad end."
Coen continued, "Maybe a game you feel like you should win, or you've gotten to a point in the season where you feel like you're going to win a game like that, and then, oh shoot, you just lay the neck. And we felt that before we had. We have felt that in terms of not taking for granted when you're in a pretty cool position, a position to take advantage of the moment."
"And you look at some of those big games that we have had here so far this season, and you look at obviously San Francisco, and you look at Kansas City, and you look at some of those games that we have taken advantage of the moment, and then you look at obviously Houston second half, and not taking advantage of so now you feel that way, and you know what that feels like. That approach needs to remain for four quarters."
Below is Liam Coen's full exchange with reporters. His remarks about this being a pivotal matchup start at the 12:42 mark.
So knowing what's at stake, here are three bold predictions for this critical AFC South matchup.
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas will have his first 100-yard game of the year
After an inconsistent start to the season, Brian Thomas Jr. is back in the fold after missing three games with an ankle sprain. Although he had a relatively quiet outing in his return from injury — two catches for 28 yards on three targets — the sophomore receiver may have an expanded role against the Colts, especially if Parker Washington misses the game.
The time away from the field surely helped Thomas regain focus, so he'll take away of the opportunities he gets in the Indianapolis game.
Jaguars DE Josh Hines-Allen will continue surge with 3 sacks
It took Josh Hines-Allen a handful games to hit his stride this season. But after the BYE, he's been unstoppable, registering 5.5 sacks the past five games. And while the Colts have a stout offensive line, the two-time Pro Bowl nod should have no trouble wreaking havoc again.
. @JoshHinesAllen has 2.0 sacks in today's game. Hines-Allen's 5.5 sacks since Week 9 are tied-fifth most in the NFL. This marks the 14th multi-sack game of his career, the sixth most in the AFC since he entered the league in 2019.#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/8mbdWFQN77
— JaguarsPR (@JaguarsPR) November 30, 2025
Hines-Allen thrived in the win over the Tennessee Titans despite the fact that neither Arik Armstead nor Travon Walker suited up. There's a strong chance both of them will be available in Week 14. If they do play, they'll draw attention, and in turn, No. 41 will eat.
Devin Lloyd and the Jaguars defense will force 3 takeaways
The Jaguars had no trouble generating turnovers earlier this season, but they eventually cooled down. Some of that was due to Devin Lloyd's absence while he recovered from a calf injury. Agent Zero is back in the fold, and the defense has bounced back.
The Jaguars know that stopping running back Jonathan Taylor will be pivotal, and because the weather may not be great, they will force the Colts to beat them with Daniel Jones's arm. That will lead to plenty of mistakes, and three takeaways for Jacksonville.