NFL Thursday Night Preview: Colts vs. Jaguars

Peyton Manning and the undefeated Colts square off with the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night in a re-match of a week 1 battle. Indianapolis is on pace to match the ’72 Dolphins and the 2007 Patriots as the only 2 teams to have a perfect regular season. However, in 2005 the Colts started with a 13-0 record and decided to rest their players over the last 3 weeks. This resulted in losses in 2 of their final 3 games, and a loss in their first playoff game against Pittsburgh.

Whether or not new HC Jim Caldwell has the same mentality in regards to resting players is still uncertain, but rumor has it that he will sit his starters after the first or second quarter. When the injury list came out earlier this week, Caldwell had an additional 29 players listed. This is an indication that he has the intention of giving all of his starters the opportunity to rest if they need it.

Jacksonville pushed Indy to the limit in week one, losing in the final minutes by not converting a game tying 2 point attempt. That was on the road, and this is at home in a much different situation. The Jags are one of 4 teams with a 7-6 record in the AFC that are fighting for what will likely be the final playoff spot. This is a critical situation for this team, and will most likely determine their season. Anticipate a defensive battle that is decided in the 4th quarter depending on Indy’s decision to rest their starters.

The opening point spread for this game is much lower than it should be due to the question marks about the Indianapolis Colts possibly sitting their players early. Despite the smallish line, taking the Jags at home getting 3 points in a “must win” situation is clearly the smart play. Unless Manning and company jump out to a fast start, it will be hard to imagine that they would be able to match Jacksonville’s intensity for 4 quarters. Either way, this should be another competitive Thursday Night match-up.

Related posts:

1. Falcons take on Jaguars in Thursday Night Showdown
2. Titans & Colts look for WIN on Thursday Night
3. AFC Championship Preview: Indianapolis Colts v. New York Jets
4. Thursday Night NFL Football: Miami vs. Chicago
5. Super Bowl XLIV Preview: Indianapolis Colts v. New Orleans Saints

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