Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Andrew Luck’s future is in the balance as the Indianapolis Colts fly south to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season finale. After starting the season off 0-13 and realistically looking like they could go winless, Indianapolis has strung together two straight unfortunate wins. Now, they risk failing to lock up the most sought-after quarterback prospect since John Elway.

Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS

Listen: WFNI 1070 AM, WLHK 97.1 FM; Sirius: 113 in Indianapolis; WOKV, Sirius: 112 in Jacksonville; streamed at nfl.com (paid). 

Betting Line: Jacksonville -3, according to BetFirms.com.

What’s At Stake?

Both the Colts and Jaguars were eliminated from the playoff picture a long time ago. In the divisional matchup, the only thing that is on the line for the players is pride. For the franchises, though—specifically the Colts—there is plenty. 

Jacksonville fired Jack Del Rio earlier in the year. They must decide if Mel Tucker is a legitimate candidate for the job. For Indianapolis, a win would most move them out of the No. 1 spot in the 2012 NFL Draft, costing them Luck.

Colts Injury Report

According to USA Today, Dallas Clark is questionable for Sunday’s contest with a pinched nerve in his neck. The injury kept him out of action in Week 16.

Jaguars Injury Report

Wide receiver Cecil Shorts is probable with a bad hamstring after missing the last two contests.  Defensive back Dwight Lowery couldn’t suit up last week because of a shoulder injury and remains questionable. Offensive tackle Guy Whimper missed the Tennessee Titans game as well, and like Lowry, is questionable against the Colts.

What They’re Saying

Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union tweeted that there’s already talk of who will be replacing Tucker at season’s end.

Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star tweeted former UCLA Bruin Maurice Jones-Drew’s thoughts about losing to the Colts in order to cost them a shot at Luck.

Colts Player to Watch

After playing 11 years in an Indianapolis uniform, Reggie Wayne may play his last game as a Colt on Sunday. Last week against the Houston Texans, the 33-year-old showed that he still can ball, hauling in eight receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Jaguars Player to Watch

If Blaine Gabbert struggles mightily against the worst team in the NFL, Jacksonville may just be tempted to select a quarterback early in next April’s draft. After all, if Tucker is replaced, then the new head coach will have no loyalty at all toward Gabbert.

Key Matchup

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Pat Angerer

MJD is talented enough to put the Jaguars on his back and lead them to victory with a huge rushing day. He is currently leading the league in rushing with 1,437 yards, and with over 100 yards of distance between him and second-place LeSean McCoy, Jones-Drew will hold on to the rushing title.

The 24-year-old Indianapolis middle linebacker Pat Angerer is the Colts' best chance to slow the human-bowling ball down. Angerer is currently fourth in the NFL in total tackles with 137 this season.

On the Hotseat

Both Jim Caldwell and Tucker could get the boot this season if they end on a sour note. Despite the incredibly disappointing season, Indianapolis is an extremely stable organization and most likely won’t show Caldwell the door. Unless Tucker ends up being incredibly impressive, Jacksonville will most likely go after a big-name head coach like Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden or Jeff Fisher.

Prediction

With a victory, Indianapolis would get monstrously screwed over for years to come. Their fans should throw a party if the Jaguars can finish strong. Luckily for the Colts, Jacksonville is at home. 

Jacksonville 13-10

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels