In Week 17 of 2025 our Indianapolis Colts will host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Knowing the party was coming to town, I sat down with Gus Lodge of Big Cat Country, SB Nation’s Jaguars blog. You can find him on Twitter @gus_lodge or @duval22dotcom. We swapped questions and answers about both the Jaguars and the Colts and what follows is what I’ve learned about this week’s enemy.
You can find my answers to his questions here.
Chris Shepherd: The Jaguars are going to the playoffs. Twice Jacksonville has made the AFC Championship Game. Do you think this team could be the team to finally get over that hump and get the Jaguars to the Super Bowl and win the thing? If so, what is it about this team that gives you that hope??
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at EverBank Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gus Lodge: I think this new regime has shown all the signs you could want, so the hump could be crossed this decade, but the 2025 Jaguars will probably fall short due to a lack of playoff experience. The depth chart and the coaching staff are both young, and while that means they’re hungry, they just haven’t seen a lot of reps deep into January. The idea that Coen/Lawrence could be an East Coast version of McVay/Stafford and just power Jacksonville through the postseason is what gives me Super Bowl hope.
Chris Shepherd: If your team were rudderless and starting Philip Rivers at quarterback in the year 2025, how would you plan to beat the 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday??
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 09: Travon Walker #44 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gus Lodge: It’s going to be tough for the Colts to lean on Jonathan Taylor on Sunday, as the Jaguars have allowed the least rushing yards per game (87.3) this season. Crazy as it might sound, riding Rivers may be the clearest path to victory for Indy. Jacksonville’s defense is gettable if you throw the ball on early downs in order to set up manageable situations on late downs. And big-bodied receivers have given the Jaguars’ issues all season, so Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce should be heavily involved. Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ passing offense is clicking right now. Play 2-hi safety structures and invite the run to shorten the game and avoid getting shredded.
Chris Shepherd: Do Jaguars fans ever miss Jack Del Rio?
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Jacksonville Jaguars yells to his players during a NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on September 26, 2004 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gus Lodge: Um, I don’t think so? I was in elementary school during his tenure… I don’t think anyone in Jacksonville misses Del Rio the football coach, even before this season began, but maybe some part of Del Rio the person is missed. The only time I really hear his name is in reference to the “keep chopping wood” locker room incident.
Writers note: I asked this question because it made me chuckle and Gus’ response made me chuckle more and any chuckles I can get as a Colts fan in this trying time are needed.
Chris Shepherd: What Jacksonville Jaguars player is most likely to have the biggest day against a defense that has seemed to just completely give up?
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 21: Trevor Lawrence #16 celebrates a third quarter touchdown with Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gus Lodge: I’d say Brian Thomas Jr., who remains the most dangerous pass-catcher in Jacksonville’s offense. You could argue that Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange are better football players, and they’re certainly more consistent, but Thomas’ athletic traits are truly special. That’s why reigning DPOY Pat Surtain shadowed him last week. He’ll always be the top answer to “Which Jaguars receiver could put up crazy stats on Sunday?”
Chris Shepherd: What’s your prediction for this game? How’s it going to go? What’s the final score?
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 30: Jakobi Meyers #3 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gus Lodge: Jacksonville is fairly healthy, and I don’t expect them to take their foot off the gas pedal after clinching a playoff berth last week. The division has yet to be clinched, and they’re holding on to hope of earning the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed. I expect Rivers to have a few vintage plays and Lawrence to have several touchdowns. Jags 31, Colts 21.
I can’t thank Gus enough for answering this week’s questions. Make sure you head over to Big Cat Country and @gus_lodge on Twitter to check out his work.