Jaguars vs. Colts: Calvin Ridley's NFL return, other plotlines to watch in Week 1
• The game will have several subplots, including these 5
2. Travon Walker and Josh Allen must shine for the Jaguars vs. the Colts
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Jags since the end of the 2022 season is their pass rush rotation. While they have a pair of fine players in Josh Allen and Travon Walker, Jacksonville needs more from both. But even if Allen and Walker make a leap, the Jaguars will need another edge defender to step up in 2023, whether it's K'Lavon Chaisson or Yassir Abdullah.
Chaisson, a first-round pick in the 2020 draft, has been underwhelming in his first three NFL seasons and it's hard to believe he'll do a 180-degree turn in 2023. Having said that, the Jaguars don't have many other alternatives behind Walker and Allen, unless Abdullah progresses quickly and makes an impact in his rookie season.
Against the Colts, the Jaguars' pass rush will show whether there's no reason for concern heading into 2024.
No. 1 Can the Jaguars end their losing streak at Indianapolis in 2023?
The Jaguars haven't lost to the Colts at The Bank in more than eight years but their track record at Lucas Oil Stadium hasn't been nearly as good in the same span. The last time they beat their division foe as a visitor was back in 2017. Maybe, just maybe this is the year they end the streak.
Right now, Jacksonville is a five-point favorite and they have a legitimate chance to beat the Colts in Week 1, with Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson leading the way. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and his ability to improvise on the go could give the Jaguars' defense a fit but if they contain them, they could come out of Indianapolis with a win.
It's now up to the Jaguars to seize the opportunity.
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