The Indianapolis Colts are entering Week 18 with a huge opportunity when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Carson Wentz and company have the opportunity to punch a playoff ticket with a win on the road. However, if they were to lose to the lowly Jaguars, they would likely end up missing the postseason barring some major luck.
Last week, the Colts squandered the opportunity to lock up a spot in the postseason. They ended up losing to the Las Vegas Raiders by a final score of 23-20.
Needless to say, this is a must-win situation. Indianapolis has shown signs of being a team that could be a legitimate contender in the AFC this season. But, they have also had some games where they failed to show up completely.
Only time will tell whether or not they can compete with the AFC’s elite, but first they must get into the playoffs. Let’s dive in and take a look at three bold predictions for the Colts in Week 18 as they take on the Jaguars.
3. Jonathan Taylor Puts A Cap On An MVP Season
First up, we are predicting that Jonathan Taylor will cap off his MVP campaign with another monster performance. Taylor has been the NFL’s best running back so far this season and many believe he could end up winning the prestigious Most Valuable Player award. That may not happen, but a game this week will.
We are predicting that Taylor will end up rushing for at least 120 yards to go along with two touchdowns on the ground. He will also make an impact through the air with at least five receptions for 35 yards and another score.
Taylor is the player who has come through for the Colts every time they have needed him. He will do just that one more time to end the regular season.
2. Indianapolis Forces Four Turnovers
Prior to the 2021 NFL season, many thought Trevor Lawrence would put together a good season for the Jaguars. So far this year, Lawrence has completed 58.9 percent of his pass attempts for 3,418 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. He has also picked up 317 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
The numbers aren’t the worst possible, but they certainly aren’t great. Indianapolis will look to take advantage of Lawrence this week.
Led by Darius Leonard, the Colts’ defense will get the job done. Throughout the course of the game, they are going to force four turnovers against Jacksonville. That should be enough to get the job done.
1. The Colts Win And Get Into The Playoffs
What a roller coaster of a season it has been for the Colts. From a preseason sleeper contender to a rough start, the team has weathered the storm. They now have a chance for a fresh slate come playoff time.
While an upset is always possible, we are predicting that the Colts will take care of business in dominant fashion. The Jaguars simply aren’t a good football team and Indianapolis is going to come out with a purpose. This isn’t going to be a pretty game for Jacksonville.
The Colts will end up taking home the win and a berth in the NFL playoffs. We are predicting the final score to look something like 31-17 in favor of the Colts.
