Game Preview
Mike Krueger
Predicted Score: Colts 24, Jaguars 17
Jacksonville: Because of their workman-like efforts, the Jaguars are flying under the radar at 4-1. David Garrard doesn't post flashy numbers, Fred Taylor gets hurt, but the Jags just keep winning thanks in part to MJD and a sound defense. Jones-Drew is finally giving fantasy owners something to smile about rolling up 296 total yards and 3 touchdowns the last two games while Fred Taylor spent the second half of last week's game on the sideline with a strained groin. These teams split last season so don't count the Jags out, especially at home. Jacksonville may feel a little under-appreciated but they'll get all the spotlight they want this week against the Colts on Monday night.
- Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars D/ST
- Consider: QB David Garrard, TE Marcedes Lewis
- Sit: RB Fred Taylor, WR Dennis Northcutt, WR Ernest Wilford, WR Matt Jones, K Josh Scobee (inj.)
Indianapolis: Coming off their bye the Colts should be at full strength with Marvin Harrison (knee) and Joseph Addai (chest) returning to action. Their quest to keep up with the Patriots in the AFC Power Rankings will get a good test here as Jacksonville matches up well against the Colts offense. They kicker here is the Colts defense which is much improved from a year ago only giving up 278.2 yards and 17.6 points per game. They should be able to keep the Jaguars running game in check and not allow an embarrassing repeat from last year when Taylor ran for 131 and Jones-Drew rumbled for 166 on the way to a 44-16 pasting of the Colts. Look for a mistake-free game decided by Peyton Manning TD in the fourth quarter.
- Start: QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, WR Marvin Harrison, WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark
- Consider: K Adam Vinatieri
- Sit: WR Anthony Gonzalez