The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts face off in Week 18, capping off what has been a disappointing season for both teams. Neither team lived up to expectations, but they get one last chance to prove themselves.
So, who’s expected to win? We’ve rounded up expert predictions and analysis for this Jaguars vs. Colts game. We will also share the latest betting odds and other information to help you make informed decisions.
Expert Predictions Overview
So, who do the experts think will win this weekend’s Jaguars-Colts matchup?
Colts Favored by Most Experts
The general consensus seems to be that the Colts will take this one. ESPN, Pro Football Talk, Bleacher Report, NFL.com, CBS Sports, and Sports Illustrated are all leaning toward a Colts victory. The Colts, at 7-9, are playing at home against the 4-12 Jaguars. The experts seem to believe the Colts will want to finish the season strong with a win at home.
Notable Exceptions and Alternative Perspectives
Of course, not everyone is picking the Colts. There are always a few outliers who see something others don’t. It’s worth digging into those predictions and understanding the reasoning behind them.
Even among those who favor the Colts, there’s disagreement on how the game will play out. Some are predicting a nail-biter, while others think the Colts will win by a comfortable margin. It will be interesting to see which predictions pan out.
Key Factors to Consider
Several factors could tip the scales in this game. First, there’s Jonathan Taylor. If the Colts can get their running game going with Taylor, it could make a huge difference. He’s capable of being a real game-changer.
Then there’s the Jaguars’ defense, which has struggled mightily. They’re giving up an average of 387.5 total yards per game, which is the second-worst in the league. The Colts will want to exploit that weakness.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of home-field advantage. As Pete Prisco of CBS Sports likes to say, “When two bad teams play, take the home team.” The Colts will have the crowd on their side.
Betting Odds and Implied Probabilities
So, what are the odds telling us about this game?
- The spread: The Colts are favored by 3.5 points, meaning you can bet that they’ll win by more than 3.5 points (Colts -3.5) or that the Jaguars will win outright or lose by less than 3.5 points (Jaguars +3.5).
- Over/under: The over/under is set at 45 points, so you can bet that the total combined score will be over or under that number.
- Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a straight-up bet on who will win the game. The Jaguars are at +145, meaning a $100 bet would win you $145. The Colts are at -175, meaning you’d have to bet $175 to win $100.
Based on these odds, the implied win probability for the Colts is 63.6%, while the Jaguars have a 40.8% chance of winning. These probabilities are calculated from the moneyline odds, adjusting for the house edge (the “vig”).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the record between the Jaguars and the Colts at home?
The Colts have historically dominated the Jaguars, especially when playing on their home turf. Indianapolis boasts a significant winning record against Jacksonville in home games, a trend the Jaguars have struggled to overcome.
Have the Jaguars ever beaten the Colts?
Yes, the Jaguars have definitely secured victories against the Colts throughout their history. While the Colts hold an overall advantage in the series, the Jaguars have proven capable of pulling off upsets, especially in Jacksonville.
Who is favored to win Jaguars vs. Colts?
The betting odds and expert predictions tend to fluctuate leading up to the game depending on factors like injuries, team performance, and home-field advantage. It’s always best to check the latest sportsbooks for the most up-to-date information on who is favored.
Where can I watch Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars?
The game will likely be broadcast on either a major network like CBS, FOX, or NBC, or on a sports channel such as ESPN or NFL Network. Streaming options are also available through services like NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV, depending on your location and subscription.
Closing Thoughts
So, what’s the bottom line? Most experts are leaning toward the Colts in this matchup. However, the Jaguars have the potential to surprise, and an upset isn’t out of the question.
Remember that when you’re making your own predictions, it’s important to consider everything – player stats, team morale, and the betting lines. But also remember that in the NFL, anything can happen on any given Sunday (or Thursday, or Monday…!).