The Indianapolis Colts (0-0) and Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0) will square off for a Week 1 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
As both teams look to end respective losing streaks—Colts in season openers and Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium—this divisional matchup should be a fun bout to watch. But before they take the field, we caught up with Jaguars Wire editor Adam Stites (@AdamStites_) to get the latest scoop on the reigning division champions.
Buy Colts TicketsWe went behind enemy lines to ask Adam five questions about the Colts’ Week 1 opponent:
1
What kind of jump is expected of Trevor Lawrence going into Year 3?
Adam Stites: “After Lawrence finished the 2022 regular season with 15 touchdowns and two interceptions over his last nine games, the question has shifted from his ceiling to his ability to do it consistently. Play like that for an entire season and he’s an MVP candidate. Anything less than that would be a bit of a disappointment.”
2
How much of an impact will the addition of Calvin Ridley make?
Adam Stites: “Any effort to temper expectations for Ridley after nearly two years away from football went out the window when he hit the field in camp and preseason. Ridley looks fast, crisp, and very much on the same page with Lawrence. The Jaguars offense was already good, but the addition of a legitimate No. 1 receiver like Ridley should be a huge boost.”
3
How do the Jaguars plan to keep Anthony Richardson’s rushing ability contained?
Adam Stites: “I’d expect the Jaguars to put Richardson containment duties on the shoulders of their athletic inside linebackers Foye Oluokun and Devin Lloyd. The latter, in particular, looks to be a good fit as a spy for Richardson.”
4
What needs to happen for this Jaguars team to reach the Super Bowl?
Adam Stites: “The Jaguars’ young defensive players need to make a leap. Last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Travon Walker, didn’t do much as a rookie and Lloyd spent a stretch on the bench. If those two, along with players like Andre Cisco and Tyson Campbell, progress the way Lawrence did in 2022, Jacksonville will be tough to stop.”
5
Prediction and final score for this Week 1 matchup?
Adam Stites: “The enigma that is Richardson could create issues, but it feels like the Jaguars would have to step on some rakes to mess this one up. So long as they avoid turnovers and massive defensive miscues, the Jaguars should be able to roll. Jaguars 27, Colts 10“
