NFL Experts Give Colts Gloom Prediction for Jaguars Showdown

The Indianapolis Colts are matching up on the road against the winless Jaguars with analysts having little confidence.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) chases after Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) as he runs with the ball Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts haven't won on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a decade, marking one of the weirdest issues for a franchise. However, the Jaguars are struggling arguably more than any NFL team as the final winless squad for 2024. With so many issues between Doug Pederson's offense and quarterback Trevor Lawrence's play on the field, it's understandable why one may assume this is a slam dunk for the 2-2 Colts.

But, Bleacher Report isn't as high on Indianapolis given their ridiculous history playing in Jacksonville. In their recent article detailing predictions for week five, the unanimous choice is Jacksonville, who B/R has winning a close one 24-21.

Meanwhile, the Colts can't win in Jacksonville. They haven't done so since Barack Obama's second term in office. That's right. It's been 10 years since Indianapolis found a way to win at EverBank Stadium. Something has to give. The Jaguars simply need this game more.

- Bleacher Report NFL Staff

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If quarterback Anthony Richardson suits up, he'll be without star running back Jonathan Taylor.

DE Kwity Paye, RB Jonathan Taylor, CB Kenny Moore II are OUT Sunday vs. the #Jaguars, per #Colts HC Shane Steichen.

QB Anthony Richardson and C Ryan Kelly, "we'll see."

— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) October 4, 2024

This gives Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson the green light to lead Indy's backfield against a stout Jags run defense. The Jaguars are competitive up front despite having numerous injuries to players like defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee). While the aforementioned stars for Jacksonville have looked unlikely to play, they were limited on Thursday, opening the door to the possibility that they see the field on Sunday.

Indianapolis also won't have defensive end Kwity Paye (quadricep) or cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip), giving quarterback Lawrence an edge offensively. The Jaguars' backs are against the wall and 0-5 generally means a season is completely lost, so expect a fight against the Colts. If Indianapolis wants to win, they'll need to figure out how to exploit the Jaguars' putrid passing defense and balance their running game or risk another loss in Jacksonville.