Bold predictions for the Indianapolis Colts dreaded Week 5 road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars

The Indianapolis Colts are plagued with injuries throughout their roster. They ruled three starters out of Week 5 following Friday's practice and downgraded two more on Saturday. And that's not even counting the three starters already on the injured reserve. But no one is going to feel bad for you across the NFL. They have to have […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Aug 11, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) hands the ball off to Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (27) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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The Indianapolis Colts are plagued with injuries throughout their roster. 

They ruled three starters out of Week 5 following Friday's practice and downgraded two more on Saturday. And that's not even counting the three starters already on the injured reserve. 

But no one is going to feel bad for you across the NFL. They have to have a "Next man up" mentality. So here are my bold predictions for how this game plays out against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Bold predictions for the Colts Week 5 matchup vs. the Jaguars

Josh Downs leads the team in targets, catches, and yards 

My prediction for the offensive side of the ball is that second-year WR Josh Downs will lead the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in Week 5. In his second week back from injury, the Colts leaned heavily on Downs' ability to win routes quickly, with him appearing to be a go-to target for both Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco. Usually, when you have to start your backup quarterback, you want to make your run game the focus of your offense.

But with the Colts also missing star running back Jonathan Taylor, I'm not sure that is going to be an option. Flacco played well in relief in Week 4, but mobility is one area where there is a significant drop-off. And for the Colts offensive line to have to adjust from blocking for Richardson to Flacco isn't going to be easy by any means.  So getting the ball out quickly has to be a priority early, or the Jaguars are going to feel confident sending extra blitzers all game long. On top of that, it's going to be a rain-filled day in Jacksonville. All of that added up together seems to equal a game plan that calls for a big Josh Downs day. 

Rookie Laiatu Latu has his first multi-sack game

The Colts' 2024 first-round pick, Laiatu Latu, picked a perfect time for the first sack of his career. When he essentially called game against the Chicago Bears with a strip sack on fellow rookie Caleb Williams. Latu has lived in the backfield the first four weeks of the season but has struggled to finish the reps with sacks. And today, he's going to have to do some heavy lifting for the Colts injury-filled defensive line. They will be without four total players, with three on the IR, and Kwity Paye also ruled out. It could mean he struggles due to the added attention he will likely see. But I think he has a big coming-out party today and has his first multi-sack game of his young career. I predict that Latu will end the day with at least 1.5 sacks. 

Colts fall short, and the curse lives on

Predicting a win for the Colts in Jacksonville would take a level of boldness that I don't have today. If both sides were fully healthy, it would already be hard, but the Colts will be without eight starters in this one, and they will be playing a highly motivated Jaguars team that is still looking for its first win of the 2024 season. 

Score prediction: Jaguars 20, Colts 17 

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