JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
Vegas Line: Colts + 3
Rob’s Line: Colts + 1.5
As the Indianapolis Colts look at the schedule to close the season, it would appear that all they can do is march inexorably to the number one overall draft pick next April, a reward that appears likely to present them the opportunity of selecting Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
Aside from still having to face Jacksonville twice within the division, they come up against the Panthers, Patriots, Ravens and Texans. They do welcome the Titans to Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 15, but it’s difficult to see them winning more than two games and with the Miami Dolphins playing better recently, they could find themselves duelling with St. Louis for the rights to Luck and even then, with the Rams having Sam Bradford under center, they could very well eschew the opportunity for Luck. So, right now, Indy sits in a very good position for 2012 and beyond.
As long as Jacksonville can find receiving help for quarterback Blaine Gabbert in the close season, the Jaguars could find themselves in an equally good position for 2012 as they have a defense performing wonders and keeping them in games and of course they played a huge role in that memorable 12-7 MNF win over the Ravens three weeks ago.
Playing hard was an accolade happily attributed to the winless Colts before their 62-7 humiliation on primetime at the hands of the Saints. Since then they’ve succumbed far too meekly and it’s difficult to know when (if at all) they’ll snap out of it. Last Monday, the day after a demoralising 31-7 home defeat to Atlanta, veteran center Jeff Saturday was the voice at a meeting held behind closed doors, aimed at looking into why the team has fallen so quickly this season (I’m surprised they didn’t spot this before going 0-9). That’s what relying on Peyton Manning for thirteen years will do for you.
The Colts need to stop Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, but with a run defense ranked 31st in the league, it’s almost impossible to envisage them doing so and if that is the case, it protects Gabbert and the league’s worst passing offense from having to win the game. Running back Joseph Addai looks like missing another week for Indy, which is far from helpful, and it’s difficult to see the Colts generating many points on offense.
In a game that could be a tough watch, taking any points available is advisable so the Colts with a field goal start does appeal. However, having any faith at all in Indy against a tough D requires a courageous train of thought. I could honestly flip a coin for this one, but perhaps I am in a courageous mood after all and will take the brave (crazy?) path here…the Colts and the points on offer.
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