Jaguars vs. Colts: What's the Game Plan for Jacksonville?

The Jacksonville Jaguars will have their first AFC South battle of the year on Sunday, a game in which they will play on the road for the second straight week, this time against the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are 1-2, and this game could be a tone-setter for the rest of the season.

The AFC South is currently led by the Colts, and the Jaguars are behind them due to their recent win over fellow AFC South members in the Tennessee Titans. It really doesn't matter either way, however, because whoever wins this game will be at least tied for first in the division.

This is arguably the Jaguars' first relevant game against the Colts in years. Sure, the Week 3 matchup of last year had both teams at 0-2 coming in, but the Jaguars were starting quarterback Chad Henne and lost their first two games by 17 and 31 points respectively.

The Jaguars are going with a better all-around squad, and with Colts QB Andrew Luck possibly sitting out or playing at less than 100 percent, as covered by ESPN.com's Mike Wells, it seems like Sunday's matchup in Indianapolis will be a close contest.

AJ Mast/Associated Press

Offensive Game Plan

The Jaguars had their best offensive performance of the year so far in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins. They sputtered in the second half but played well for at least half of the game, mostly thanks to a balanced attack.

It will be crucial for the Jaguars to open up the game with running back T.J. Yeldon. He's looked promising all season, but the Alabama product just needs a little open space to gash a Colts defense that has allowed 112 yards per game on the ground so far.

Taking the weight off QB Blake Bortles' shoulders will allow him to play comfortably and confidently. He has to find wide receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns as well as continue taking steps to including the tight ends in the offensive mix.

Just like they did against the Dolphins, the Jaguars have to score early. They converted on their chances early, and that allowed some room for error in the second half.

Finally, the Jaguars have to continue to piece together long, time-using drives. Keeping the defense fresh for four quarters will do wonders to keeping the Jaguars in the game as well as tiring and demoralizing the Colts defense in the process.

Defensive Game Plan

The defense could potentially have a much easier battle than normal against the Colts. Instead of Luck, backup quarterback Matt Hasslebeck could be throwing the ball instead, which is considerably preferable.

However, the Jaguars should expect to play Luck. He's one of the most durable QBs in the league, and it's typically smart to plan for the most challenging scenario rather than the easiest one.

Moving to a more concrete part of the Colts offense, the Jaguars will also have to account for running back Frank Gore. It will be on the defensive line to plug up holes for Gore. He's aging, but the 32-year-old is a hard-nosed runner who can do lots of damage if he pierces through to the second level.

No matter the QB, the secondary has to play consistently. The Jaguars are likely to be without safety Sergio Brown, who is out with a calf injury, but the rest of the starting secondary is ready to go. With rookie James Sample ready to slot in for Brown, there shouldn't be too many excuses.

The front seven is in a similar situation as the secondary, where there needs to be improved pass rush regardless of who lines up behind center. Causing havoc in the pocket will be crucial to forcing turnovers, which will likely be the deciding factor in this game. If the Jaguars can win the turnover battle, they'll be in prime position to win.

Matt Rourke/Associated Press/Associated Press

Prediction

This is the Jaguars' first big game of the season. The first three contests were important to getting off to a good start, but a win over the Colts puts them in first place in the division and will give the Jaguars their first win against the Colts since September of 2012.

The Jaguars are in prime position to compete, and if Luck doesn't play, then they are likely to pick up the win. Considering the condition of the Colts' most important player is up in the air, Sunday's matchup requires two separate predictions.

If Luck plays: Colts 24, Jaguars 20

If Luck sits: Jaguars 20, Colts 14

All stats provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.