Welcome to Big Cat Country’s staff roundtable!
This week, we’re previewing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ second divisional matchup of the season. They look to extend their 11-game home win streak against the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts.
Question 1: What’s your top question/concern about the Jaguars this week?
Dillon Appleman: Can they stop playing down to their competition? In their last two games, the Jaguars have lost to the Texans and were eight seconds away from losing to the Eagles. Those two opponents
have a combined record of 4-10 this season, so it’s fair to question if they have a problem with elevating their game when the competition is poor. The Colts fit that same mold as a team that has basically punted on the season already, so I would like to see a more focused Jaguars team as they look to take a stranglehold over the AFC South.
Travis Holmes: The Jaguars have been one of the NFL’s top run-stopping defenses over the last two seasons. But as my college coach always tells me, you’re only as good as your last game played. Can Anthony Campanile’s unit rebound from the 114-yard rushing performance it surrendered against the Houston Texans before the bye week? One major strength-versus-strength matchup to watch is that the Jaguars rank second in the NFL in explosive rushing gains allowed, surrendering just 7 over the first six games, while the Colts’ offense ranks eighth with 23. Limiting Jonathan Taylor is the first test. Eliminating the game-changing runs is the second.
Gus Logue: Can Jacksonville’s secondary survive without Antonio Johnson? He should be back soon from his ankle injury, but with No. 3 safety Caleb Ransaw on injured reserve, depth is a concern at the position. The good news is that the limping Colts probably aren’t equipped to do anything about it. But could another worrisome game from the secondary spark a trade for a veteran to help solidify the unit, the way that Jakobi Meyers did for the passing offense last season?
Henry Zimmer: My top questions are simply about if the Jaguars are going to add any talent at the deadline. Trades within the AFC South are not happening, but can the Jags get better by adding a player late? Defensive line help comes to mind first, but does adding someone there benefit or hurt in the long run?
Question 2: What’s the key to a Jaguars victory this week?
Dillon: The key to a Jaguars victory is to simply keep Jonathan Taylor from wrecking the game. The Colts are just 3-6 all-time against the Jaguars with Taylor in the backfield, but all three wins have come when Taylor has gone for over 100 yards. He drives the success of that offense, so the key is to prevent a big day, which should be expected considering the Jaguars’ dominance against the run under Anthony Campanille.
Travis: Establishing the run game seems to be the primary focus heading into this week’s matchup. The Colts rank 22nd in the league in opponent rushing yards allowed per game, and that was before Indianapolis decided to trade away interior game-wrecker DeForest Buckner to San Francisco. Considering the Indianapolis front seven’s struggles with missed tackles and Bhayshul Tuten’s propensity to force them, this seems like a match made in heaven, especially with a potentially rainy Sunday in Duval.
Gus: Quarterback play in high-leverage situations. I think we could end up looking at the box score and saying, “See, 150 rushing yards for the Jaguars and 50 rushing yards for the Colts, that’s where the game was won/lost!” But really — as much as I do expect the Jaguars to have success on the ground and the Colts to struggle on the ground — Jacksonville will win because they have the better quarterback to move the chains.
Henry: The key to victory this week is playing simple. This is a Colts team that is nuking itself into oblivion and should be a pushover. Don’t make this game complicated and win outright. No need for jet sweeps on the half-yard line to a backup tight end. Trevor Lawrence should be out of this game in the fourth quarter. Make it simple.
Question 3: Who will be an X-factor for the Jaguars this week?
Dillon: I have a giant microscope over the Colts’ rookie left guard, Jalen Farmer, vs. the Jaguars’ interior defensive line. After the Colts traded away perennial Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson, the Colts will be starting Farmer, who has all of three offensive snaps this season. I’m looking for a big day for Arik Armstead and/or Ruke Orhorhoro on Sunday.
Travis: My X-factor for this week is Jacksonville rookie left guard Emmanuel Pregnon, who will face off against Colts interior defensive linemen Grover Stewart and Adetomiwa Adebawore. Pregnon has shown major promise throughout 2026, with only a few bumps along the rookie road. Adebawore, who the Colts seem to be doubling down on moving forward following the DeForest Buckner trade, has significantly improved his hand placement and quickness in 2026. If there’s an area of concern for the Jacksonville offense, it’s more than likely going to come from Indianapolis’ interior defensive line.
Gus: Chris Rodriguez Jr., who finished with 11 carries for 55 yards in Week 6 compared to 12 carries for 39 yards for Bhayshul Tuten. I certainly expect Tuten to operate as Jacksonville’s lead back moving forward, and even to have a very productive second half of the season, but don’t forget about Rodriguez. Liam Coen wants this backfield to be a 1-2 punch. I could see C-Rod having a solid 50-yard, 1-TD outing on Sunday.
Henry: Against a downtrodden Colts team, can the Jags manufacture some catches for Brian Thomas Jr. to potentially bolster his trade status before the deadline? This would be a lovely conspiracy if the Jags targeted BTJ upwards of a dozen times to get him maybe over 100 yards on the day and then immediately look to trade him. Strike while the iron is hot!
Final score prediction?
Dillon: Jaguars 30, Colts 13
Travis: Jaguars 21, Colts 13
Gus: Jaguars 26, Colts 9
Henry: Jaguars 35, Colts 10
What are your Week 8 predictions, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!
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