Colts vs. Jaguars: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 11

Key matchups to watch in Week 11.

A new week means another game for the Indianapolis Colts coming up Sunday. Following their two consecutive losses, the Colts are attempting to get back on track when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in this big divisional matchup.

Among many reasons, the former AFC South leader has struggled in recent weeks, it was their loss of starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett which impacted them the most. The NC State product led the Colts to a 5-2 record and at one point and was a top-five leader in passing touchdowns before suffering a knee injury against the Steelers in Week 9.

Brissett’s importance to this team was evident last weekend when the Colts’ offense struggled mightily against the previously one-win Miami Dolphins in their 16-12 loss. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was responsible for three interceptions and looked incapable of getting the job done.

Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ Week 11 bout against the Jaguars:

RB Leonard Fournette vs. Colts’ defensive front seven

Amongst all of the skill players known on the Jaguars’ offense, one player who could and should receive the most attention from the Colts, is Leonard Fournette. The LSU product is on pace to have his best season ever to the tune of 831 rushing yards (sixth in the NFL) and a yards per carry average of 4.8.

Even though the Jaguars haven’t featured Fournette as much in recent weeks (30 combined carries in Weeks 9-10), this could be the game where they do so. So far this season, the Jaguars are 2-1 when their third-year running back receives at least 20 rushing attempts and in return, Fournette averaged 154 rushing yards per game.

Regardless of what the Jaguars’ plans are for Fournette, the Colts’ defensive front seven needs to quickly contain him in order to eliminate big plays and favorable down and distances.

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Who should Chargers fans root for in Week 11?

While fans are gearing up for the Monday matchup against the Chiefs, Chargers’s Wire Gavino Borquez gives you the rooting guide for Sunday.

Playoff hopes are still alive for the Los Angeles Chargers, despite sitting at an underwhelming 4-6 record. Depending on how some of the games go today, it could help their postseason aspirations.

With that, here are the teams that Chargers fans should be rooting for on Sunday, leading up into the Monday night matchup between the Bolts and the Chiefs.

Early games of note

Texans at Ravens

A loss to Houston would put them at 6-4 and would only open up the Wild Card situation a little bit more. The Texans currently hold the No. 3 seed in the AFC, but would be pushed down if the Colts defeat the Jaguars.

Jaguars at Colts

With quarterback Nick Foles back under center, a win by Jacksonville would put both teams at a 5-5 record and would give some leeway for the Chargers with the Wild Card standings.

Bills at Dolphins

Coming off an upset victory over the Colts, Miami will look to make it two in a row. If they beat Buffalo, it would drop them to 6-4. Again, it would affect the Wild Card standings.

Later games of note

Bengals at Raiders

Cincinnati has yet to win a game, but getting their first against Oakland would be huge for the Chargers, who are still in tight contention for the AFC West. A loss to the Raiders would drop them back to .500

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Jaguars vs. Colts: Week 11 staff picks and predictions

A majority of the Jags Wire staff are going with the Jags over the Colts this week in a must-win.

After having a week off to settle ourselves for a potential late-season playoff push, it’s now time for the Jacksonville Jaguars to re-take the field and string some wins together. Their first opponents in that process will be their longtime rivals in the Indianapolis Colts, who desperately need a win as well. In a game in which should be a key moment for both team’s postseason aspirations, here are our staff predictions for Week 11:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Jags 27, Colts 24

I’m not banking on the Jags making the playoffs but that doesn’t mean they can’t win this one. That said, I’d personally be going with the Colts if they had receiver T.Y. Hilton. However, with him being ruled out, it could be a lot for Jacoby Brissett to overcome, especially coming off an injury.

Meanwhile, on the Jags’ end, they will have Nick Foles returning. I wouldn’t bank on him lighting up the scoreboard but he at least has Leonard Fournette by his side. I also think Foles will link up with his good friend Chris Conley for a clutch reception at some point in the game.

Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Colts 19, Jags 17

Nick Foles makes his return to the starting lineup this week and we’ll finally (hopefully) get a full games worth of film on him. Jaguars fans hope to see Foles lead the Jags on some magical playoff run, but I think the fanbase needs to be more temperate with their expectations. As Jay and I have discussed on “The Jags Den Podcast,” I don’t believe this team has what it takes to make the playoffs. I see Indy coming away with a win in an ugly game.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Jaguars 24, Colts 21

The Jags are on the road this week as they face their division rival in the Colts. This is a matchup of returning quarterbacks as both Nick Foles and Jacoby Brissett have previously missed time. Both teams need a win to improve their playoff chances. Expect a heavy dose of Fournette to lighten Foles’ load. However, I can see Foles making enough plays for the Jags to escape with a win.

Daniel Griffis (@GriffisNFL): Jaguars 27, Colts 23

This is as much of a must-win game as fans will find. The Jaguars can get to 1 game back from the wild-card if they win and things play out their way this weekend. The Jags have to be hungry for this one and with Foles back, expect this team to be ready to go.

Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Colts 23, Jaguars 16

The Jags will need to bounce back after a tough loss across the pond in London against the Texans. This will be a low scoring as both QBs will be easing their way back from injuries. However, the Colts will find a way to possibly sneak out a tough victory.

Steelers sign WR Deon Cain off Colts practice squad

Deon Cain has a new home.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed wide receiver Deon Cain off of the Indianapolis Colts practice squad and will now join their active roster.

Cain, who has struggled to make an impact, was waived before the Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins and was signed to the practice squad after he cleared waivers.

Though it seemed he would be getting a second chance to make something of his career with the Colts, that stops quickly as he now joins the Steelers wide receiver corps, per Field Yates of ESPN.

The Steelers have signed WR Deon Cain off of the Colts practice squad, per source.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 16, 2019

A sixth-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, there was a lot of hope Cain would use his extreme athletic ability, size and speed to carve out a role in the offense.

However, that never came to fruition. A torn ACL ended Cain’s rookie season before it even began and even though he had plenty of opportunities to grab a significant role this season, he failed to do so.

In seven games this season, Cain has four receptions on 14 targets for 52 yards. The Colts loved his upside as a deep threat, but his route running and consistency are two major aspects that need development in Cain’s game.

As the Colts look to push for a playoff spot in the second half of this regular season, Cain will be with his new team in the Steelers looking to make something of his career.

Colts vs. Jaguars: Week 11 staff picks and predictions

How does the staff see this game shaking out?

The Indianapolis Colts (5-4) begin a vital stretch of upcoming games with a divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

As the Colts look to bounce back from stifling loss against the Miami Dolphins, the Jaguars are coming off of the bye week following their trip to London.

As the experts gave their take on predicting the outcome, here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees the Week 11 matchup shaking out.

Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11): Jaguars 20, Colts 17

Though the embarrassing loss against the Dolphins in Week 10 was more a fluke than a characteristic of the Colts, it shed some light on some serious troubles. Those troubles could rear their ugly head in what should be a physical matchup with a division rival.

The Jaguars defense isn’t what it was, especially after trading away Jalen Ramsey. And the return of Jacoby Brissett will be huge. But the Jaguars still have an elite front seven that could give the Colts offensive line some nightmare matchups with the way they have been playing. No T.Y. Hilton likely means Jacksonville will force Brissett to throw the ball and while he’s proven he can do it, the Jaguars defense could apply enough pressure to get him off his spot.

The defense should be able to keep it close. The return of Nick Foles is good for the Jaguars, but he could be rusty. The Colts have also found ways to stop Leonard Fournette in the past, which could result in a similar outcome.

Even at home and with the Jaguars coming off the bye week, I predict the Colts to drop their third game in a row.

Arden Franklyn (@ArdenSportsTalk): Colts 23, Jaguars 14

Amongst all of the reasons I have for a Colts win on Sunday, I believe it comes down to one player: Jacoby Brissett. The Colts’ QB1 makes all the difference in a world for a team that has struggled with its passing attack/pre-snap checks in his absence. We will see both areas be instantly improved in Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.

Although I know Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles is talented and clutch in his own right, I do have questions about whether he’s rusty upon his return from injury and if he reestablished any previous chemistry with his receiving targets, especially DJ Chark and Chris Conley.

John Alfieri (@alfierijohn): Colts 14, Jaguars 14

Even with the injuries that continue to pile up, the Colts are in a good spot at 5-4 with a shot to retake the division on Sunday at home against Jacksonville. Both quarterbacks, Nick Foles and Jacoby Brissett, will be making their returns after injuries as well.

This will be a close game with two up and coming defenses so don’t expect a lot of fireworks. Both offenses will be playing it safe as well so expect a lot of running with Leonard Fournette and Marlon Mack.

Foles has not played since Week 1 and will struggle early on. Expect D.J. Chark to get double covered a lot in this one. Brissett will struggle too but will bounce back in the second half to lead the Colts to a win.

14 points may seem a little low but I’m also predicting another missed field goal by Adam Vinatieri as his struggles continue.

With a Texans potential loss against the Ravens, the Colts will be back on top in the AFC South with a chance to go a game up on Houston next Thursday.

Sam Sinclair (@samsinclair96): Colts 20, Jaguars 17

The Colts are backed against the wall and are in basically a dire need to win not just this week, but the next three games as a whole.

The offense and Frank Reich have to be more creative getting the ball to their running backs with T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess and Parris Campbell out this week. If Reich has any new wrinkles, this is the week to bring it out. Anyway they can keep Brissett and the offense in favorable down-and-distance they need to do it.

Defensively, don’t allow the Jags to get chunk plays. They will attack downfield more with Foles back at quarterback, and they like to go to D.J. Chark on deep passes. They can’t allow Leonard Fournette and that run offense to get going.

This defense should put the Colts in position to win Sunday. The question is, can this offense do enough to win? I think they’ll be able to run the ball this week and pick up an important AFC South victory.

Behind Enemy Lines: 4 questions with Jaguars Wire

Breaking down the Jaguars with our friends at Jaguars Wire.

The Indianapolis Colts (5-4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) are set to square off in a crucial divisional matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

Before the Week 11 matchup gets underway, our own Arden Franklyn caught up with managing editor Jay Johnson of Jaguars Wire to get the scoop on the Colts’ opponent this week. Be sure to follow Jay and Jaguars Wire for all of your Jaguars’ needs this week.

Here is our Behind Enemy Lines for the Week 11 matchup:

Colts Wire: Are the Jaguars realistically in the best place they could be in at this point in the season?

JJ: I’d definitely say they are in a good spot when considering the circumstances. They lost Nick Foles for eight games during the second series of their regular-season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. They also traded their best player and a generational talent last month in Jalen Ramsey. So when considering those two elements, they could be a lot worse than 4-5.
However, that’s also not to say they are in the best situation either because there is one win some fans feel they left on the table. That game was Week 2’s meeting with the Houston Texans, where the Jags were literally inches away from winning. Various fans feel as though Doug Marrone should’ve put the ball in Gardner Minshew’s hands for the walk-off two-point conversion win, but instead they elected to hand the ball off to Leonard Fournette, who was stopped just short of the end zone. With Minshew concocting the previous drive like a veteran, it’s possible the rookie could’ve cooked up some “Minshew magic” for a walk-off win, but we’ll never know.

CW: On a scale of 1-10, where you would rank the importance of Nick Foles returning to the starting lineup?

JJ: Well, I believe we won’t know the importance of his return until we see the results. If he returns and has the late-season success fans have witnessed in the past and leads the team to the playoffs, it definitely is worthy of a 10. If he’s not significantly better than Minshew, then his return isn’t that important at all and the team will have to live with the act that they stopped the momentum of the rookie, who had his ups and downs but was developing over time. I’ll say this, though: There is a lot of anticipation built up to see what Foles can bring to the table. He was excellent in training camp, but fans want to see it on the field.

CW: Obviously, a big moment for the Jaguars this season was trading away their Pro Bowl corner Jalen Ramsey. Is that move a “changing of the guard” for this franchise?

JJ: For sure. Ramsey wasn’t just an elite player and generational talent on the field but was Shad Khan’s most marketable face due to his popularity around the league. Simply put, it was the franchise’s biggest move in recent history, and they likely will never find a talent like him on the field and a more marketable player. However, that’s not to say trading him will plummet the franchise, though it is a very questionable move. They also still have plenty of talent on the roster, and some could even evolve into franchise players — like Josh Allen, Leonard Fournette and Yannick Ngakoue, to name a few. After his impressive run on the field and the popularity he gained as a temporary starter, Minshew has “face of the franchise” potential, too.

CW: It is necessarily important for Coach Marrone and his staff to make the playoffs this season?

JJ: In my opinion, yes. If the Jags don’t make the playoffs, I believe they will need to make someone the scapegoat, and unfortunately it could be Marrone when in actuality he’s done a solid job granted the circumstances. As previously mentioned, he lost his veteran quarterback for two months and the front office traded his best player in Ramsey, who he wanted to keep. The locker room could’ve easily fallen apart as they have in the past but Marrone got them to focus somehow and claw their way to .500 three weeks ago.
However, when the season ends, I could see the Jags being 8-8 or 9-7. That should not be good enough for the fans when looking at the product Khan has put on the field since becoming an owner (36-85 record). As a result, I think he could look at Marrone as the guy who needs to go when in actuality, he needs to probably start at the top with Tom Coughlin and Dave Caldwell, who’ve made questionable and puzzling decisions in the front office.

Colts’ Devin Funchess still waiting on collarbone to heal

Devin Funchess is still waiting to recover.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Devin Funchess has missed the majority of the season after suffering a collarbone injury in Week 1 and is still trying to work his way back.

Though Funchess is eligible to return Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he isn’t expected to do so. In fact, Funchess is still waiting on his collarbone to heal in order to take the next step in getting back on the field.

“I have to talk to the trainers. My bone still has to heal,” Funchess told reporters Thursday. “So I’m not trying to go back out there and try to rebreak it because we have a nice little stretch coming up.”

Funchess broke his collarbone in the Week 1 opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. After jumping for a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter, the 25-year-old came down hard on his shoulder. He was quickly moved to the injured reserve list.

As he works his way back into the fold, Funchess has been doing all he can to help his fellow receivers in any way.

“I’ve been trying since I got hurt and it’s not a good process. You can’t control a bone. It is healing when it wants to heal,” Funchess said. “Just seeing them, I just try to coach them up and try to let them know little small things out there – what the DBs are going to do and all that stuff. All I can do is give them my knowledge.”

Funchess did return to practice in a limited fashion this week but because he hasn’t been activated, there won’t be any sign of him on the injury report.

The Colts are currently without three of their top wide receivers due to injury, which means they need Funchess to return quickly. But he can only recover as fast as the bone will let him, and it remains to be seen how far along he is.

Behind Enemy Lines: Week 11 Q&A with Colts Wire

Jags Wire went behind enemy lines to discuss this weeks opponents in the Colts with Colts Wire’s Arden Franklyn.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have found themselves on a quest to reach .500 again and keep their playoff hopes alive. They will be in pretty good shape as far as health goes heading into Week 11’s game against the Indianapolis Colts after coming off their bye week and only having one player on their final injury report.

However, with Sunday’s game being against their divisional rivals in the Indianapolis Colts, acquiring a victory won’t be easy by any means. To help us get a little insight on the Jags’ longtime rivals, I reached out to my good friend Arden Franklyn of Colts Wire. Below are four burning questions he was kind enough to answer on Indy, which is now just a game ahead of the Jags with a 5-4 record.

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Jags Wire: How has life for the Colts been minus Andrew Luck? Obviously, he was the face of the franchise, but the Colts still have found themselves with a decent record.

Arden Franklyn: It’s definitely been different, to say the least. While a portion of this fan/media base hadn’t drastically changed their expectations for the Colts, there was still a drop in that area/confidence in the team. As for on the field, Luck’s absence is bigger because of what it does for the offense. Without No. 12, to carry the load and make those Superman-like plays, the Colts truly have to play like a team and depend on all 11 starters and role players to do their jobs.

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Colts vs. Jaguars: How to watch, stream in Week 11

Game information in Week 11.

The Indianapolis Colts (5-4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) are set to battle in Week 11 in what is expected to be a physical and vital matchup for both teams.

Game Information

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (5-4)
Sunday, Nov. 17 — 1:00 p.m. ET
Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis, IN

Television

Broadcast: CBS (regional)
Announcers: Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), James Lofton (color analyst), Michael Grady (sideline)

TV map: Those in the yellow region of the broadcast map get the game on CBS, courtesy of 506 Sports.

Radio

WFNI — Indianapolis, IN
WHLK — Indianapolis, IN
Sirius XM Radio (Colts) — Channel 108 (XM App 229)
Sirius XM Radio (Jaguars) — Channel 121 (XM App 387)

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

Injuries

Colts injury report
Jaguars injury report

Opponent Site

Jaguars Wire

Social Media

Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Download the Sports Wire App (Apple Devices | Andriod Devices)

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Colts vs Jaguars: 3 keys for the defense in Week 11

Keys for the defense in Week 11.

The Indianapolis Colts defense is playing its best ball at the right time of the season. The unit has made a complete 180 turn from the first four weeks of the season.

In Week 11, the Colts get a familiar opponent in the Jacksonville Jaguars but with a new quarterback under center in Nick Foles. Jacksonville has had rookie Gardner Minshew under center since Week 1 when Foles broke his collarbone.

One thing that works in the Colts’ favor is the familiarity the coaches have with Foles. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus coached against Foles when Eberflus was the linebackers coach in Dallas, and Foles was the quarterback for Philadelphia. Plus, head coach Frank Reich was Foles’ offensive coordinator when the Eagles went to the Super Bowl in 2017 with Foles as the quarterback.

The familiarity should play a major factor in Sunday’s game, but let’s look at some keys for the Colts defense against the Jaguars offense:

1. Stop the run game

The Jaguars’ mantra is to run the football, and they can do it to great success. When Jacksonville can run the ball, they win, and the stats show. In their four wins, the Jaguars have averaged 171 rush yards per game. In losses, they average only 98 yards, and in three of their five losses, they rushed for fewer than 90 yards.

Since Week 4 the Colts run defense has stiffened up. Over the first four games of the season, the Colts were allowing over 132 rush yards per game, but over the last five games, only 81 yards. One of these has to give on Sunday, and hopefully, for the Colts’ sake, it’s the Jaguars run offense.

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