The Indianapolis Colts return home in Week 17 for a divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts are clinging to playoff hopes and need a win plus a loss to the Houston Texans to stay in the fold.
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Continuing our outlook for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars, here are three things to know about the opponent, along with predictions.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s performance
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been playing at a high level over the past month or so. He is efficient, responsible with the football and successfully pushes the ball upfield.
Among all quarterbacks since Week 13, Lawrence ranks fifth in passing yards, second in yards per pass attempt and first in passing touchdowns. According to PFF, he had zero pass breakups.
Pressuring the quarterback is always a potential way to disrupt a game, but the Colts haven’t been able to do it consistently this season.
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Colts have to take care of the football
The Jaguars defense remains one of the best in terms of taking the ball away. Jacksonville’s 28 takeaways were the second-most in football this season. That includes forcing 10 takeaways in the last three games.
The Colts now have a very slim margin of victory. Losing the turnover battle can be difficult to overcome. Not only did this deny the Colts offense a scoring opportunity, it also gave the hot Jaguars offense more possessions of the ball.
The Jaguars defense will bring a lot of different perspectives to opposing offenses and be more than willing to blitz.
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Jaguars Injury Report
The Jaguars will be without right guard Patrick Mekari for this game. He has been ruled out with a back injury. Center Robert Hainsey and backup running back Bhayshul Tuten are both questionable.
Rookie linebacker Jalen McLeod is out and remains on injured reserve. Defensive end Danny Striego, who plays a rotational role at the position, is also out.
Colts vs. Jaguars Predictions
Here’s why NFL.com’s Dan Parr picked the Jaguars:
“Indianapolis has a path to victory, especially if it can turn long, methodical drives into touchdowns and force Trevor Lawrence to commit an error or two…or three,” Parr wrote. “I just wouldn’t predict that to happen, with the quarterback playing clean of late and Jacksonville on the verge of a division title. The Colts — once an 8-2 team that seemed destined to make the playoffs — need a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but I fear that’s where the road ends for them.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts vs. Jaguars: Notes and Predictions
