NFL Predictions Week 17: 7 Things to Watch for in Colts vs. Jaguars Matchup

There are actually a few things that have become of importance to the Jaguars-Colts Week 17 matchup this Sunday.

While it is hard to believe that two teams with a combined six wins on the 2011 season could have anything to play for, there are a few key components at stake heading into the 2012 NFL season.

The Jaguars will be playing for the last time under current franchise owner Wayne Weaver, who bought the franchise and got the ball started in 2003. Weaver sold the team earlier this season to Midwest auto parts tycoon, Shahid Khan.

The Jaguars will also possibly be playing for the last time under interim coach Mel Tucker, who has been a great defensive mastermind this season and has been assuming both roles as head coach and defensive coordinator since Jack Del Rio was relieved of head coaching duties.

The Colts, who have won two games in a row, are in a bit of a quandary. While every team wants to "win" in the NFL, Indianapolis is fighting to retain the rights to select Peyton Manning's successor in Andrew Luck. If they lose the game, then the pick is theirs. But if they win and St. Louis loses its final game, then the Rams will select No. 1 overall.

The Rams already have Sam Bradford locked into a contract, but would they be willing to pull the trigger on drafting someone who is being regarded as the best passer to come out the college ranks since Manning?

Indianapolis is also playing in what might be Jim Caldwell's final game as head coach. The man handpicked by Tony Dungy as his successor has been in the middle of the 2-13 firestorm all season.

If anything, both teams should be playing for pride and self respect—two components both the Jaguars and Colts need as they head into 2012.

Here are a few things to look for Sunday at EverBank Field.

7. Will There Be Any Offense?

Two of the worst offensive units in the NFL this season.

The Colts rank 30th in overall offense while the Jaguars are dead last in the NFL.

Last contest, the Jaguars scored 17 points in the win. Both teams average under 16 points a game.

6. Do We See Blaine Gabbert Finally Air It Out?

It would be nice to see what the rookie can do without the pressure to succeed and the chance to make a lasting impression on fans at home.

In the second half of the contest against the Colts earlier in the year, Gabbert moved the ball more effectively than he had in previous weeks.

The Colts don't score anyone on defense as well, so maybe this is a good opportunity for offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to throw the playbook out and let the offense see what it can do.

5. How Will Gabbert Play Against Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis?

Gabbert looked more comfortable in the second half of the game up in Indianapolis. How will he look when he gets a second chance to impress versus Indy?

Will Freeney and Mathis get through the Jaguars offensive line much like Atlanta's John Abraham did a few weeks back?

If Mathis and Freeney can pressure the passer, it will be a long day for the Gabbert and they will rely heavily on MJD.

4. Playing for Roster Slots

While a head coach has not yet officially been named, general manager Gene Smith, Khan, Weaver and anyone who is involved in the hiring will also be involved in the Jags' roster moves as well.

Weaver hopefully will be in on the selection of the head coach, while Smith will be responsible for the growth and development of a roster that was one of the worst in the NFL this season.

Players like Zach Potter, Chastin West, and others may be looking for new homes next season. Actually, everyone with a few exceptions could be looking for new homes on offense, and street free agents who have come aboard because of injuries want to impress the management.

3. How Does Mel Tucker Coach in Possibly His Final Game in Jacksonville?

Personally, I think Tucker deserves a chance to make this team his own. With a better offensive coordinator and some tweaking of the offensive tools, this could be a decent team.

COULD be.

Tucker has worked so hard to build the defense to be a great unit, even with injuries. He is a great young talent and while we do not want to include him in young coaches on the rise, he could be another great NFL coach.

That said, a new coach will probably want to bring in his own people, which means Tucker, who has done an outstanding job, may lose his job to no fault of his own.

2. The Past, Present and Future Come Together

After this contest, all that will be left is for new owner Shahid Khan to take over the team after the first of the year.

It would be nice to see a packed house to cheer on the team and show the Weavers—Wayne and Delores—how much they are thought of in this city.

Weaver came to Jacksonville with a plan and helped the team and city grow and develop in the past 18 years.

1. All Eyes on Maurice Jones-Drew

MJD is leading the league in rushing with 1,437. Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy is second at 1,309 yards.

It would take an act of Congress to think the Jaguars main offensive weapon will lose this lead, but you never know.

The running game has been one of the few highlights on offense this season, and players have talked openly about how they want to get the rushing title for MJD.

It would be quite an honor for a player who has played on such a poor offensive unit to reign supreme.