The Colts are clinging to their playoff hopes and need a win plus a Houston Texans loss to stay in contention.
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Continuing our look ahead to Sunday’s game against the Jaguars, here are three things you should know about the opponent, plus a prediction.
The game of Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence
For the last month, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been playing high-level football. He’s been efficient, he’s taken care of the ball and he’s had success pushing the ball downfield.
Among all quarterbacks since Week 13, Lawrence ranks fifth in passing yards, second in yards per pass attempt and first in passing touchdowns. He also doesn’t have any turnover-worthy passes, according to PFF.
Pressure on the quarterback is always a way to potentially disrupt a play, but the Colts haven’t been able to do it consistently this season.
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The Colts have to take care of the football.
The Jaguars defense remains one of the best at turning the ball away. Jacksonville’s 28 takeaways are the second-most in football this season. This also includes forcing 10 takeaways in the last three games alone.
The margin between winning and losing right now for the Colts is very small. Losing the battle over turnovers can be difficult to overcome. That not only robs the Colts’ offense of scoring opportunities, but also gives the Jaguars’ red-hot offense more possessions.
This Jaguars defense will take a lot of different looks at opposing offenses and has been very willing to charge.
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Jaguar Injury Report
The Jaguars will be without right guard Patrick Mekari in this game. He is already ruled out due to a back injury. Center Robert Hainsey is questionable, as is backup running back Bhayshul Tuten.
Rookie linebacker Jalen McLeod is out and remains on injured reserve. Defensive end Danny Striggow, who plays a rotational role at this position, is also out.
Colts vs Jaguars Prediction
Here’s why NFL.com’s Dan Parr picks the Jaguars:
“There is a path to victory for Indianapolis, especially if it turns long, methodical drives into touchdowns and forces Trevor Lawrence into a mistake or two… or three,” Parr wrote. “I’m just not going to predict that scenario will play out, with the QB playing squeaky clean ball lately and Jacksonville closing in on a division title. The Colts, once an 8-2 team that seemed destined for the postseason, need a win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, but I’m afraid the road for them ends here.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts vs. Jaguars: What to watch and a prediction