3 Jaguars to watch on offense vs. Colts

With kickoff just a few hours away, here are three Jaguars to watch on offense vs Indianapolis.

Despite an embarrassing showing in London against the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to be the provisional number six seed with a win over the Colts. Yes, the Oakland Raiders would also have to lose to an 0-9 Cincinnati team, but there’s a chance.

Head Coach Doug Marrone made the decision to go with now-healthy veteran quarterback Nick Foles after the bye week. With him only seeing the field for two series this regular season, fans will be eager to see what he has to offer against the Colts.

With the game just under an hour away, here are three players on offense to keep your eye on vs Indianapolis:

1. QB Nick Foles

He’s the player everyone is talking about. However, some fans and media members were onboard to see Minshew Mania throughout the rest of the season. In my opinion though, Marrone has done the right thing by rolling with the veteran as Jacksonville tries to make a late charge to the post-season.

The buzz around the improved aerial attack coming out of training camp was palpable. It was such a shame to see all of that momentum wiped out in the opening game. Hopefully, Foles is able to put on a show Sunday afternoon and remind us why the Jaguars felt comfortable giving him the most expensive contract in team history through free agency.

2. TE Josh Oliver

The rookie tight end was sidelined for the start of the season, but since returning to action in Week 7, his snap count is increasing more over time.

For Jacksonville, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time as they prepare to run the table with three more divisional games. The extra week allows Foles to come back into the fray, whilst also giving Oliver the opportunity to establish himself in the offense. His return has seen Seth DeValve’s snap count drop week by week and this game will likely be the first time Oliver is used as the primary tight end.

3. RB Ryquell Armstead

The Jaguars offense has worked better when coordinator John DeFlippo uses other backs to take some of the pressure off Leonard Fournette. Over the last three games, Armstead has gradually been getting more involved in the offense. The rookie was one of a handful of standout players in England, catching five passes for over 60 yards, including a 35-yard reception which was the longest play of the day for Jacksonville.

It will be interesting to see if Jacksonville utilize him more, as he has shown his potential when asked to catch out of the backfield. That’s something Fournette is getting a chance to showcase more but Armstead may be an even better receiving tailback.

Colts vs. Jaguars: Inactive players in Week 11

Inactives in Week 11.

The Indianapolis Colts (5-4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) have released their inactive players list ahead of the Week 11 divisional matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

The Colts already ruled out two players ahead of the divisional matchup on Sunday with a pair listed as questionable as well.

Here’s a look at the inactives for the Colts in Week 11:

Player	Position	Injury
T.Y. Hilton	WR	Calf
Pierre Desir	CB	Hamstring
Parris Campbell	WR	Hand
Jordan Wilkins	RB	Ankle
Le’Raven Clark	OL	—
Chad Kelly	QB	—
Quincy Wilson	CB	—

Hilton and Campbell were already ruled out on Friday. Desir was doubtful and will miss another game with a hamstring injury while Wilkins was questionable and is now out with an ankle injury. Tight end Mo Alie-Cox was questionable but it appears he’s playing.

Here’s a look at the Jaguars inactives for Week 11:

Player	Position	Injury
Seth DeValve	TE	Oblique
Josh Dobbs	QB	—
C.J. Board	WR	—
Tyler Ervin	RB	—
Tae Hayes	CB	—
Brandon Thomas	OL	—
Dontavius Russell	DL	—

2 Jaguars X-factors to watch vs. Colts

Chis Conley might be the Jags’ X-factor on offense against the Colts, while Ronnie Harrison may be for the defense.

Heading into Sunday’s game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts, there are many players who fans are expecting to put up solid stats. In the Jags’ case, Leonard Fournette, D.J. Chark, Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue all fall in that category. However, in some games, there is an unexpected player who impacts the outcome, also known as X-factors.

Let’s take a look at a player on each side of the ball who could be that player for the Jags in their must-win game against Indy:

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

WR Chris Conley

With quarterback Nick Foles back, fans shouldn’t rule out the passing game having a good day in general although I tend to think there will be some rust. However, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Foles link up with the target he’s the most familiar with in Chris Conley, who was a teammate of his with the Kansas City Chiefs, too.

Conley has only registered one 100-yard game so far this regular season and that was against the New York Jets. It may remain that way by the end of Sunday’s game, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Foles and Conley link up for multiple key connections. It also wouldn’t shock me to see Conley get over five receptions, something the hasn’t happened since Week 1.

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Jaguars vs. Colts: 3 keys to a Jaguars victory

The Jags must put some heat on Jacoby Brissett as they have in the past this Sunday, because if they do, it could result in a big win.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the Indianapolis Colts on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday.

It’s been a tale of two records for both teams as the Jaguars currently sit at 4-5 on the year, while the Colts are 5-4 this season. A win for the Jags will put them at the No. 2 spot in the AFC South with a great deal of control of their destiny heading forward.

This is a must-win game for the Jaguars and here are three ways that they can secure the victory against the Colts on Sunday:

1. Feed Leonard Fournette the ball

This one seems simple but it rings completely true.

Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette has been a force in the league ranking third in the AFC in rushing yards with 831, sitting only behind Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (1,011 yards) and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (832 yards).

The Colts struggle with high-usage running backs as they allow 4.4 yards a carry to running backs with 15 or more carries. The Colts are also ranked No. 15 overall against the rush, which is good for a 104.3 yard per game average, so Fournette should have opportunities.

Giving Fournette a high volume of carries also will ease Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles into things after an eight-week hiatus that was a result of the collarbone injury he sustained Week 1.

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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.

Jags land 2 pass catchers and 2 DBs in Draft Wire 3-round mock draft

The Jags could use a starting cornerback after trading Jalen Ramsey and Draft Wire slotted the Jags a successor in their latest mock.

Despite the emergence of receiver DJ Chark, many draft pundits have continued to mock Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s not to say we disagree here at the Jags Wire as Lamb is having an unreal season, racking up 44 receptions for 983 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Our comrades at Draft Wire are amongst those on the web who like the fit and slotted him to the Jags in their latest mock draft. They also slotted the Jags a new cornerback to start at Jalen Ramsey’s old spot in Louisiana State’s Kristian Fulton with their second first-round selection form Los Angeles Rams.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

After trading away arguably the league’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey, the Jags obviously have a gaping hole on the roster. Why not use one of the picks they got in return to fill that need? Fulton is big, physical, and immediate starter material.

Adding one of college’s most elite playmakers in Lamb sounds like a win in my book. Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew II, and coordinator John DeFilippo certainly wouldn’t complain either, as they could throw some nightmare formations at the opposition with Chark, Lamb, Westbrook, and Conley.

Fulton would be another welcomed addition. We’ve mentioned him in the past as our own Daniel Griffis did a breakdown on him, singling out his hip flexibility and versatility.

The Jags didn’t stop with just one pass catcher in Draft Wire’s mock, though, and were slotted Washington tight end Hunter Bryant, who would provide some much-needed help at the tight end position. They also double-dipped in the secondary by drafting Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, Jr.

46. Jacksonville Jaguars | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington

77. Jacksonville Jaguars | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Sure, fans will be quick to point out the fact that the Jags just drafted Josh Oliver, however, we’ve yet to see much out of him. Additionally, the position has been very injury prone with James O’Shaughnessy and Geoff Swaim going on injured reserve and Oliver himself missing the Jags’ first six games. Adding the 6-foot-2, 239-pound Bryant onto the roster could work wonders for the Jags passing offense because he’s tremendous after the catch and is a problem for defensive backs to bring down.

As for Winfield, his name may sound very familiar. That’s because he’s the son of retired NFL great Antoine Winfield Sr., who was a three-time Pro Bowler. Needless to say, Winfield’s elite athleticism rubbed off on his son, who is a rising name in the 2020 NFL Draft after his two-pick performance against Penn State. He has the ball skills in which the Jags could use in their backfield, though Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison certainly aren’t bad players.

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.