NFL Week 18 picks, predictions for Colts vs. Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts can't possibly lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars, right?
The Colts have everything to play for and win: an AFC playoff berth. The Jaguars have everything to play for and lose: the No. 1 2022 NFL Draft pick.
But there's the Colts' recently history playing in Jacksonville, which is pretty bad.
On the other side of that, the Colts are two-touchdown road favorites.
Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com: Colts 30-13
Everyone is trotting out the stat that the Jaguars have won six straight home games against the Colts. Those wins came under Doug Marrone and Gus Bradley. This Jacksonville team, however, had possibly its most complete game of the season in a 23-17 loss at Indianapolis back in Week 10. A Colts punt-block touchdown was the difference in a game that was otherwise even. Carson Wentz played poorly that day and the Colts' offense was a punt machine, so you never know. But you probably know.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Colts 27-10
The Colts need this to get into the playoffs, while the Jaguars are heading for vacation after a horrible season. They traditionally play the Colts tough, but that won't be the case here. Their offense is terrible. Jonathan Taylor has had big days against the Jaguars and will here too to lead the Colts.
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Colts 31-3
The Jaguars started the 2020 season with a win over the Colts at home, before losing 15 in a row. This time around, the stakes are much higher for the road team, with a playoff berth on the line.
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Colts 34-17
The Colts need a win to get in, and Jacksonville is clearly looking ahead to 2022. Look for Indianapolis to hammer with MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor against a Jacksonville run defense that allowed 227 rushing yards per game in its last two losses. Can Taylor get to 2,000 yards?
Wes O'Donnell, Bleacher Report: Colts 31-10
The most frightening number in this game isn't the multi-touchdown spread, it's that the Colts have lost in Jacksonville in their last six tries going all the way back to 2015. Both are vastly different teams now, Indy is fighting for one of the final open playoff spots, and they'll make the most of this opportunity against a hapless Jags squad.
Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times: Colts 27-17
The Colts have a playoff pulse, and Jacksonville has just two wins — but those came against Miami and Buffalo, so anything can happen in this weird league. Still, go with the better team.
B.J. Rudell, Pro Football Network: Colts 26-17
The Colts haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014, but that streak should end on Sunday. Win and they’re into the playoffs. Lose and they still have a decent shot of getting in. But no doubt they’ll go all out for as long as needed to secure the W. Start Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr., as usual. Give Carson Wentz a look as a top-16 QB.
John Breech, CBS Sports: Colts 30-13
One reason I hate picking Week 18 games is because every year, there always seems to be one crazy upset that no one saw coming. However, I don't think we're going to see that upset in this game.
More Colts coverage
Nuts and bolts: TV, odds, injuries, forecast for NFL Week 18
Time to step up: Rodgers has been studying Rhodes for years. Now, he might have to replace him
COVID: Colts place safety Andrew Sendejo on reserve list
Quarterback: Wentz realizes he must be better
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Week 18 picks, predictions for Colts vs. Jaguars
