Colts vs. Jaguars 2021 NFL Week 18 Odds, Analysis & Prediction

By Carlos Chacon • January 6, 2022

The Jacksonville Jaguars end their 2021 NFL season in front of their home crowd. They will play the Indianapolis Colts, who secured a playoff spot via the second wild card. The visitors want to start the next stage of their campaign on a positive note after losing to the Raiders 23-20 in Week 17. Meanwhile, this is a good chance for the Jaguars to improve their draft position. The squad needs to fortify its roster after an underwhelming 2-14 overall season.

NitroBetting presents a comprehensive preview of the Colts vs. Jaguars game down below. Find event details, team and player stats, the latest NFL betting odds, trends, and predictions.

Colts vs. Jaguars Game Information

When: Sunday, January 9, 2021, 1:00 PM ET
Where: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
TV: CBS
Radio: 107.5 The Fan (Colts) / WJXL AM 1010 (Jaguars)
Live Stream: NFL Network, NFL League Pass
NFL Odds: Colts (-15.5) / Jaguars (+15.5)

Why Bet on the Indianapolis Colts?

The Colts can opt to rest their starters against a more vulnerable Jaguars team this weekend. Carson Wentz can get some much-needed recovery time while Sam Ehlinger takes over. Additionally, three players on the questionable list are likely to sit this one out as the post-season approaches. Eric Fisher, Andrew Sendejo, and Xavier Rhodes are three starters that might not log minutes this weekend.

The Colts are an impressive two-way team, setting good records on offense and defense. The team averages 27.5 points (seventh) per game while allowing 21.2 opponent points (12th) per game. They do plenty of damage with their rushing plays, averaging 152.9 rushing yards (second) per game. Meanwhile, their passing statistics match the Jaguars at 201.2 yards recorded per game.

Defensively, the Colts are expected to impose themselves against rushing plays. The squad limits teams to 109.6 rushing yards (12th) per game. They can contain the Jaguars’ passing game as well. Indianapolis records 235.2 opponent passing yards (18th) per game.

Why Bet on the Jacksonville Jaguars?

The Jaguars look forward to breaking their losing streak even though this is where the team’s run ends. A win against a relatively stronger team can give the team a solid morale boost before the next season.

The hosts might have inadequate numbers when paired against the Colts. But, there are several talking points that could get the Jaguars closer to their opponents on Sunday. The side records 201.2 passing yards (24th) per game. We expect head coach Darrell Bevell to use this avenue to penetrate the Colts’ defense.

Previewing the defense, the Jaguars hold opponents to 233.5 passing yards (16th) per game. Being a rush-heavy side, this might not be the easiest win for the Colts after all. If they plan to take the passing route, they have to anticipate what the Jaguars can do on this end of the field. The hosts restrict opponents to 233.5 passing yards (16th) per game, which is significantly less than what the Colts average.

Tight end James O’Shaughnessy is the only player on the questionable list. Luke Farrell takes the starting position if O’Shaughnessy does not get the green light.

Colts vs. Jaguars Betting Trends

The Colts are 0-5 in the last five road games against the Jaguars (0-5 ATS).
The Colts are 4-1 in the last five road games (5-0 ATS).
The totals went under in two of the Colts’ last four games against the Jaguars.
The Jaguars are 7-3 in the last ten home games against the Colts (7-3 ATS).
The Jaguars are 2-3 in the last five games at the TIAA Bank Field (2-3 ATS).
The totals went over in five of the Jaguars’ last seven home games against the Colts.

Colts vs. Jaguars Expert Betting Predictions

The Colts are the obvious favorites in this matchup. We are likely to see several changes in their starting lineup, we might encounter more unexpected events happening along the way. However, they are the better team on paper and deliver more consistent results since the start of the season.

On the other hand, the Jaguars are eager to utilize this opportunity to try and improve their overall record before ending their run. A win gives the team a chance at a better draft position in the upcoming season while ending their campaign with a slightly improved record. Covering the spread should be doable with the numbers given, but putting pressure on the Colts from start to finish could be a demanding task for the side.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.