Final Predictions: Colts vs. Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE – Each week during the 2024 season, the Jaguars' “experts” – Tony Boselli, Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, JP Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – analyze the Jaguars' matchup the following day.

The Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium.

• The Jaguars will win if: They can get off to a quick start and have a very effective running game. The Colts defense is banged up and will give up the underdog between the 20s. Lawrence needs to be patient, take what the defense gives him, and then they need to score touchdowns when they get into the red zone.
• The Colts will win if: They can pressure Lawrence and force some turnovers. The Colts are a banged up team on both ends, and who plays quarterback will likely be a game-time decision. To get a division win on the road, they need to steal a few possessions
• As Boselli sees it: The Jaguars are desperate to get their first win of 2024, and the weekend Tom Coughlin heads to the Pride of the Jaguars is a good time to do it… Jags 24 Colts 14.

• The Jaguars will win if: They relax, stop pushing so much, and play freely and loosely. You'll be back home on a special day, so the energy should be high. They need to play better in the trenches and Lawrence needs to take advantage of the open opportunities on the field. Essentially you just clean up the errors. And when Richardson plays, the Jags need to keep him under control and make sure he wins out of his own pocket.
• The Colts will win if: They score first and put even more pressure on the Jags, who are looking for their first win. The Colts need to take away the run and make the Jags one-dimensional. Jacksonville was a decent rushing team. And if Richarson plays, he will have to play some games off schedule.
• As Frangie sees it: The Colts haven't won in Jacksonville in 10 years. The Jags should win, but they need to find a level of confidence that they may be lacking. The early part of this game is crucial.

• The Jaguars will win if: Lawrence is playing at a higher level. There have been missed opportunities in the first four weeks and they must be taken advantage of for this team to get a win – and for Lawrence to avoid a 10th straight loss.
• The Colts will win if: THey, win the turnover battle and run effectively. The Colts offensive line is one of the better units in the NFL and can make anyone playing quarterback comfortable.
• As Lageman sees it: There couldn't be a better time for this Jaguars team to play winning football. Many former Jaguars players or “Legends” will be in town to celebrate Tom Coughlin's induction into the Pride of the Jaguars, and what better way to honor him than by playing winning football.

• The Jaguars will win if: They end up in the red zone and Lawrence hits his layups. I think this is the final step for the Jaguars to get their score to where it needs to be for a win. A goal-to-go situation last week cost them the game. Lawrence had a bad day and missed too many chances. The Jaguars have lost too often in the last ten months because they missed plays that needed to be made.
• The Colts will win if: You can win the sales margin. The one thing the Jaguars have done very well is keep the football going through the first month of the season. Normally that's a recipe for success, but not for the Jaguars. They may face some turnovers, and the Colts are opportunistic in that category.
• As Martineau sees it: Happy October and a happy start to the Jaguars. I like the trend of the Jaguars beating the Colts at home. The bigger reason I like the Jaguars is because they are due and Lawrence plays well against the Colts. The Jags are too good to keep losing games like this, especially at home. In my opinion, this is the last chance to turn things around this season and the Jaguars will win 27-16.