NFL Playoff Race: Why the Jacksonville Jaguars Will Beat the Indianapolis Colts

Mark Brunell, Fred Taylor, Jimmy Smith and Kyle Brady: players on the last Jacksonville Jaguars team to win a division title back in 1999.  It wasn't even an AFC South title.  They played in the Central against teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.

This Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars will have the opportunity to dethrone Peyton Manning and the Colts' juggernaut and clinch their first division title in the last decade.

Here are nine reasons why the Jaguars will clinch on Sunday:

9. Confidence

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 17: Kicker Josh Scobee #10 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after he kicked a successful 50-yard field goal in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 17, 2009 in Ja

The Jaguars defeated the Colts in Week 4 this season after a game-winning field goal by Josh Scobee.

That win really matters psyche wise, as it will give them the confidence that they can defeat them this time around.

Before this year's victory, they hadn't beaten the Colts since September 2008.

8. David Garrard

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts a pass during the game against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Garrard has thrown more touchdowns this season than any other in his career, and there are three weeks left in the season.

Don't forget about his legs either, the Pittsburgh Steelers never will.  He has more rushing touchdowns than ever before as well.

He also has his highest quarterback rating since 2007 when he only threw three interceptions the entire year.

7. 4th Quarter

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Sean Considine #37 of the Jacksonville Jaguars tackles Brandon Myers #83 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

In the Jaguars' four wins since their bye, they have outscored their opponents 38-20 in the fourth quarter.

The Colts have put together great comebacks in the fourth quarter as of late, but Peyton Manning interceptions have cost them two football games.

6. Now Or Never

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Jacksonville Jaguars calls out signals during the game against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Jack Del Rio's job has been on the hot seat for years.  If the Jaguars fail to make the playoffs, that could be the last straw.

That'll serve as a little extra motivation to win on Sunday.

5. Marcedes Lewis

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Marcedes Lewis #89 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a pass for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on November 18, 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty I

Lewis is having the best season of his career.  He has nine touchdown receptions this season.  That's more than he's had in his previous four seasons in the league.

He's tied for fifth in the NFL in touchdown catches and second to only Antonio Gates for tight ends.

He's a mismatch nightmare and will cause problems for the Colts defense on Sunday.

4. Momentum

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Don Carey #22 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is lifted in to the air by Daryl Smith #52 following an interception against the Oakland Raiders during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (

The Jaguars have won five of their last six games, their only loss coming to the New York Giants by four points at New York.

When the Jaguars are bad, they're horrible.  When they're hot, they're one of the hardest teams to beat in the league.

3. Ground Game

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during the game against the Oakland Raiders during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Gett

The Jaguars will hand the ball to Maurice Jones-Drew early and often.  Drew is second in the league in rushing with 1,278 yards on the year and has six straight 100 yard performances.

When he gets winded, Rashad Jennings is just as effective, averaging seven yards a carry this season.

To combat this top-notch rushing attack, the Colts have the fourth worst run defense in the NFL.

This game could end quickly if the Jaguars lean on their duo of backs.

2. Major Slump

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts stretches before the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Colts have lost four out of their last six games with wins only coming against the imploded Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans.  On top of that, they only beat the Bengals by six and the Titans by two.

In their four losses, Peyton Manning has thrown 13 interceptions.  He only threw two in the previous six weeks.

After coming out of the gates looking unstoppable, Manning is now in the worst slump of his career.

1. Must Win

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws while taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars won 31-28. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Ima

If the Jaguars win, they clinch the division.  If they lose, it leaves the door open for the Colts to take away the crown.

The loser of the AFC South race won't be going to the playoffs this season.

The Colts have more to lose, but the Jaguars have more to gain.  They won't let an opportunity that may not present itself for another ten years to slip through their fingers.

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him at One Yard Short.com or on Twitter.