Even though they’ve been at varying degrees of competitiveness over the past seven years, Indianapolis hasn’t won in Jacksonville since 2015. Even at their worst, the Jaguars have found a way to beat the Colts in Duval County as they did in their 1-15 season in 2020.
Indianapolis isn’t exactly off to a great start in 2022 either, having to rally from a 20-3 deficit just to get a tie last week in Houston as -7 point favorites. Indy is still a -3 point favorite in the Colts at Jaguars betting matchup, but they were -14 point favorites in last year’s season finale and lost 26-11 costing them a chance at the playoffs. The Jaguars are 0-1 after losing 28-22 in Washington last week.
Ryan Got Hot Late
It was Carson Wentz under center last year when the Colts could only manage 11 points in Jacksonville in game that if they had won they were in the playoffs. Now Matt Ryan is the next veteran QB to come to Indianapolis and the Colts tested out his arm last week, going 32/50 for 352 yards with a TD and an INT.
Many times a tie is a disappointment, but Indianapolis has to consider their 20-20 draw with Houston last week better than a loss – which they were headed to down 20-3 in the 4th quarter. Ryan led three scoring drives and hopes to carry that momentum into the Colts at Jaguars betting matchup on Sunday.
There may be some openings in the passing game for the Colts this week after the Jaguars gave up 313 yards and 4 TDs to Wentz and his new team the Commanders in week one. Indy still wants to get the running game going though as Jonathan Taylor had 31 carries for 161 yards and a TD in the opener.
Jacksonville Does Look Better
At the very least Jacksonville stayed competitive last week in the debut of new coach Doug Pederson. They looked like the old Jags’ down 14-3 at the half, but scored 19 unanswered and had a 22-14 lead in the 4th quarter. Wentz did his part and rallied the Commanders and Trevor Lawrence was intercepted late to seal things for Washington.
The good news is that the late INT was Lawrence’s only turnover of the game as he finished 24/42 for 275 yards with 1/1. Lawrence was a big reason the Jaguars upset the Colts as +14 point underdogs in last year’s series finale as he went 23/32 for 223 yards and 2 TDs.
The Jaguars did do a good job of stopping the Washington running game last week (22 attempts, 85 yards) which will be a key against Taylor. Jacksonville also got a strong debut from #1 pick Travon Walker who had an interception and a sack.
Free Colts at Jaguars Betting Pick
Betting is split right down the line 50/50 for Sunday’s matchup. It makes sense – the Colts are presumably the more talented team but they also for whatever reason struggle at TIAA Bank Field. Until they prove otherwise, you have to fade the Colts when they visit Duval County.
Free Pick: Jaguars +3
