NFL picks, predictions Week 5: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

Ryan OLeary

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NFL picks, predictions Week 5: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars image

The Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) and Indianapolis Colts (2-2) square off at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday as teams heading in opposite directions.

Riddled by injuries and poor overall execution, the Jaguars enter Week 5 in full desperation mode, looking to avoid an 0-5 start after dropping at least two games they were in position to win. 

The Colts, winners of two straight, shook off an injury to starting quarterback Anthony Richardson to pull off a gutsy win over the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. The Colts could be without Richardson (abdomen, ribs) and star running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) against the Jaguars on Sunday.

Jacksonville has had its own problems with injuries. Tight end Evan Engram has been out since Week 2 with a hamstring. On defense, the Jags were down top corner Tyson Campbell, starting safety Darnell Savage, middle linebacker (and play caller) Foye Oluokun, and starting outside linebacker Devin Lloyd in their Week 4 loss to the Texans.

The Jaguars swept the Colts during the 2023 regular season. If journeyman backup Joe Flacco gets the start for Indy, can the Jaguars rise up in Week 5 with their season on the line? 

Here's what the experts are saying.

NFL picks, predictions Week 5: Jaguars vs. Colts

Iyer: “The Colts will be hoping they have Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Anthony Richardson (hip) in there for Shane Steichen, but they also can feel good about Joe Flacco having more pop with the wide receivers downfield against a reeling Jaguars secondary. However, at 0-4, desperation kicks into overdrive for Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence, buoyed by the running game and defense to steal a much-needed home win.”

Bender: "Will Anthony Richardson (hip) miss another week, opening the door for a Joe Flacco start? Jonathan Taylor is dealing with a mild ankle sprain, so his status also is questionable. That is a lot to deal with against the Jaguars, who are in full desperation mode at 0-4. Trevor Lawrence had better protection in Week 4, and if that continues, then the Jaguars will pick up their first victory.”

Cluff: "The Jaguars are favored at home in this game. We think they'll win a game at some point, it might as well come in Week 5.”

Rolfe: "The Jacksonville Jaguars are a mess right now, ranking 31st in net EPA per game. They are posting negative numbers on offense and defense while being one of just two winless teams entering Monday morning. There is no way Jacksonville should be a favorite, and there is a temptation to take the Colts out of principle, but this is a stay away.”

Johnson: “Anthony Richardson (hip pointer) exited Sunday’s game with an injury and the Indianapolis Colts offense looked better without him thanks to Joe Flacco. Now, there is no QB controversy in Indianapolis, but it shows how great this Colts offense can be with Shane Steichen’s play-calling when the quarterback protects the football and completes more than half his passes. For now, Richardson is likely to play in Week 5 and this game hinges on his decision-making. Indianapolis gets the edge because of Jonathan Taylor and a Colts defense on the upswing, but this is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ best chance at a win so far.”

More Jacksonville Jaguars news:

Jaguars Week 4 defensive snap counts: Montaric Brown, Ventrell Miller rise up vs. Texans

Jaguars Week 4 offensive snap counts: Gabe Davis a negative vs. Texans

NFL Power Rankings Week 5: Have Jaguars hit rock bottom following 0-4 start?

Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.