Indianapolis, IN

NFL Week 18 predictions, picks: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts

Published

2 years ago

January 2, 2025

NFL Week 18 predictions, picks: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts complete their season when the Jacksonville Jaguars visit in NFL Week 18.

The Colts (8-9) were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend in a 45-33 loss to the New York Giants. The Jaguars (4-12) have one win outside the AFC South. Jacksonville got its first win of the season in Week 5, 37-34 over Indianapolis.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back, foot) may return after missing the Giants game. Mac Jones has led Jacksonville in the wake of a Trevor Lawrence shoulder injury.

The Jaguars enter the finale with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, though there are five 4-12 teams. The Colts stand 12th in the draft order, but there are two other 7-9 teams.

Want more Colts coverage? Nate Atkins, Joel A. Erickson and Gregg Doyel track the team, and sign up for IndyStar’s Colts newsletter.

NFL Week 18 picks, predictions: Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Gregg Doyel, IndyStar: What’s the point?

“The Colts will win, unless it’s the Jaguars. Like it matters.”

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Colts 23-10

“How bad are the Colts? Lose this one, and the answer is, ‘Pretty bad.’”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Colts 27-14

“This is a game featuring two teams playing for nothing. The Colts were awful in losing to the Giants last week. Jacksonville beat the Titans, but big deal. When two bad teams play with nothing at stake, take the home team. Colts win it.”

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: Colts 30-21

“Snapping a three-game skid against a division rival may not be enough to save anyone, but the Colts have clearly reached a crossroads where owner Jim Irsay could go in any direction. General manager Chris Ballard, members of the coaching staff and plenty of the roster need this victory to try and somewhat calm the waters. Desperation is a powerful incentive.”

Tom Blair, NFL.com: Colts 24-21

“This one has caused me more stress than I thought it would. I almost went with the Jaguars, entranced by their steady-eddy mediocrity behind Mac Jones, and indeed could still swap in an entire blurb here justifying that choice. Over the past five games, Jacksonville has basically performed at replacement level, going 2-3 while generating yardage and point differentials close to zero (plus-39 and minus-4, respectively). Jones and Co. don’t get too high, they don’t get too low and they seem to always be within one score of winning. We can’t say the same for Indy, especially if Joe Flacco (who is 0-3 with a TD-to-INT ratio of 4:6 over his past three games) ends up starting again for Anthony Richardson. This is about where I was going to originally end my take — until I thought longer about the lift Jonathan Taylor (who missed Flacco’s narrow loss to Jacksonville in Week 5) can provide, and further weighed the likelihood that the Jaguars can sweep a second AFC South opponent (after going 2-0 against Tennessee) with a win on the road. So instead, I have talked myself into backing a messy former fringe contender by writing way too many words about a Week 18 game between two sub-.500 teams.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Colts 31-22

“The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention after a shocking loss to the Giants in Week 17. The Jaguars are in contention for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Is a Week 18 shootout between Mac Jones and Joe Flacco just what we needed? The Colts have won five of the past six home meetings.”

Marcus Mosher, 33rd Team: Colts 24-17

“It’s impossible to know how (the Colts) will play in Week 18 after such a massive disappointment. But the Jacksonville Jaguars are far from a juggernaut with Mac Jones as the quarterback. Take the Colts to have some pride and get a win in Week 18, but don’t expect this to be a pretty victory, either.”

Pro Football Network: 2 picks for the Colts, 3 for the Jaguars

“It’ll be interesting to see Shane Steichen’s reception from fans Sunday after the Colts’ playoff hopes died in North Jersey last week. The Jaguars are playing for draft positioning in what could be head coach Doug Pederson’s final game.”

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Colts 15-11

“The Colts keep finding ways to lose playoff-implication games, and it doesn’t get any more embarrassing than allowing 45 points to the Giants. It’s the third time in four years the Colts have lost a game that could have propelled them into the postseason.”

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts preview NFL Week 18

The Jaguars have worst time of possession in the NFL (26:52), have the fewest takeaways (9) and allow the most passing yards (257.7).

Mac Jones has completed 65.7% of his passes for 1,447 yards, 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Tank Bigsby has 727 rushing yards (4.7 yards per) with 6 TDs. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. has been Jacksonville’s breakout player, with 80 catches for 1,179 yards (14.7 per), 10 TDs and 16 catches of 20+ yards.

Devin Loyd has 107 tackles, Travon Walker 9.5 sacks and Montaric Brown 8 passes defended. Cam Little is 24-of-26 on field goals, with a long of 59 yards.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars preview NFL Week 18

The Colts are a top-10 rushing team (134 yards per game, No. 8) but struggle passing (56.2% completions, 32nd; 19 interceptions, 31st). Indianapolis allows 69.8% completions (32nd).

Anthony Richardson has completed 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards, 8 touchdowns and 14 interceptions; he has run for 499 yards (5.8 per) and 6 TDs. Joe Flacco has completed 66.8% of his throws for 1,497 yards, 11 TDs and 7 INTs.

Jonathan Taylor has 1,254 rushing yards (4.7 per) with 10 TDs and 11 carries of 20+ yards. Alec Pierce averages 21.9 yards per catch, with 6 TDs and 12 receptions of 20+ yards. Michael Pittman Jr. has 63 catches (11.7 yards per) and 3 TDs.

Zaire Franklin has 165 tackles, 10 for a loss. Kwity Paye has 7 sacks. Kenny Moore II has 3 interceptions, and Jaylon Jones has 12 passes defended. Matt Gay is 27-of-32 on field goals, perfect inside 50 yards, but 3-of-8 on tries of 50+.

Colts-Jaguars betting odds

via BetMGM

Favorite: Colts by 5 points

Colts are 9-7 against the spread; the Jaguars are 8-7-1 ATS.

Over/under: 44 total points

Eight Colts games have gone over, seven under, and one was a push; eight Jaguars games have gone over, eight under.

Moneyline: Colts -225, Jaguars +185

When do the Colts play the Jaguars in NFL Week 18?

1 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

How to watch Colts vs Jaguars in NFL Week 18

Fox, with Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Brady Quinn (analysis) and Sarah Kustok (sideline reporting).

How to stream, watch Jaguars-Colts game for NFL Week 18

The Colts-Jaguars matchup will stream on the Fox Sports app at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. The app is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Fans can also download NFL+ in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

How to listen to NFL Week 18 Jaguars-Colts game on radio, streaming

Radio: 93.5, 97.1, 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with Matt Taylor (play-by-play), Rick Venturi (analysis) and Larra Overton (sideline reporting)

Streaming: SiriusXM Channels 228 and 813

What a deal!: Watch Colts-Titans on Fubo

Colts-Jaguars common opponents

The Colts (5-6) beat the Bears, the Titans twice, Jets and Patriots. They lost to the Texans twice, Packers, Vikings, Bills and Lions.

The Jaguars (3-9) beat the Patriots and the Titans twice. They lost to the Dolphins, Bills, Texans twice, Bears, Packers, Vikings, Lions and Jets.

The Jaguars beat the Colts 37-34 in Jacksonville on Oct. 6.

Colts-Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium

At Lucas Oil Stadium: Tickets start at $9 on StubHub

Colts 2024 schedule

all times ET

Sept. 8: Texans 29, Colts 27

Sept. 15: Packers 16, Colts 10

Sept. 22: Colts 21, Bears 16

Sept. 29: Colts 27, Steelers 24

Oct. 6: Jaguars 37, Colts 34

Oct. 13: Colts 20, Titans 17

Oct. 20: Colts 16, Dolphins 10

Oct. 27: Texans 23, Colts 20

Nov. 3: Vikings 21, Colts 13

Nov. 10: Bills 30, Colts 20

Nov. 17: Colts 28, Jets 27

Nov. 24: Lions 24, Colts 6

Dec. 1: Colts 25, Patriots 24

Dec. 15: Broncos 31, Colts 13

Dec. 22: Colts 38, Titans 30

Dec. 29: Giants 45, Colts 33

Jan. 5: vs. Jacksonville, 1 p.m., Fox

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Indianapolis, IN

Indiana officials call for action after 2 children die in retention ponds

Published

3 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Indiana officials call for action after 2 children die in retention ponds

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Retention ponds are a common feature in neighborhoods across Indiana, but they can pose a deadly danger to children. Two Indianapolis children have drowned in retention ponds in just the past month. Many communities are asking whether enough is being done to prevent these tragedies.

The Lawrence Fire Department was on the scene when a 19-month-old toddler was found in the retention pond at the 7000 block of McIntosh Lane on Indy’s northeast side. Adrian Douglas Breed Jr. later died in the hospital.

“It’s a tragic event, the family lost their son,” Marc Hickson of the Lawrence Fire Department said.

Democratic Senator J.D. Ford tried pushing for legislation to mandate safety barriers around neighborhood retention ponds in 2025. It required homeowners’ associations with children ages 1-4 to put up at least a 4-foot-tall fence or barrier, but it didn’t get a hearing.

“Unfortunately, this is the second child in a retention pond in central Indiana in just one month. At some point, we have to ask what we can do to stop families from experiencing the same, and that’s why we tried to pass this bill to help avoid families from experiencing the headlines.”

In 2009, former Republican State Senator Richard Bray also introduced a bill aimed at allowing the construction of safety barriers around retention ponds. That failed to become law.

Since those attempts, there have been no statewide laws for barriers around retention ponds in Indiana.

“It’s about asking adults, neighborhoods, and policymakers to make these environments safer. There is a petition out there, and I think second to that is to reach out to your state representatives and state senators and voice concerns about this type of issue,” Ford said.

Until a new law passes, the Lawrence Fire Department is urging parents to learn CPR and to teach their kids to swim. Hickson believes a safety barrier can prevent additional deaths.

“Just not apartment complexes, but anywhere, where there’s a body of water. It would be great if it were enclosed so access wouldn’t be as easy to get into.”

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Indianapolis, IN

Advocates say new public camping ban criminalizes homelessness

Published

13 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Press Room

Advocates say new public camping ban criminalizes homelessness

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Advocacy groups supporting homeless populations are warning about the potential effects of a new law banning camping in public areas.

Senate Enrolled Act 285 now makes it a misdemeanor to camp, sleep on or use public land as long-term shelter.

JJ and Jennifer Goodall have been homeless on and off for the last eight years.

“It makes me wonder what’s going through people’s heads now,” JJ said.

Under the law, someone caught camping on public land would first receive a warning and information about available resources.

They would have 48 hours to leave at least 300 feet away. They then could face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Sanctuary Indy is a nonprofit with a mission to help solve homelessness throughout Indianapolis. Founder Michelle Shelburne says the SEA 285 is a step in the wrong direction and effectively criminalizes homelessness.

“I know a lot of individuals through our street outreach that will be filling up our jail system to be arrested,” Shelburne said. “Then [they have] nowhere to go. I don’t see that as a viable solution for our housing crisis.”

The Goodalls’ struggle is amplified because JJ can’t work. He takes care of Jennifer full-time. She lost vision in both of her eyes years ago.

Earlier this year, they were connected with Sanctuary Indy’s support services, including nutritionists and a financial advisor.

“We were living in the dumpster area of the Dollar Tree,” Jennifer said. “Stacy, their outreach advocate, came by and started talking to us, and it just all happened from there.”

Part of the nonprofit’s work includes developing Circle City Village, a housing complex for homeless people and families.

Later this year, the Goodalls will be among the first residents to move into six tiny homes for couples and individuals.

Plans for the village’s second phase include five duplexes for ten families.

“They lifted us up and gave us a lot of hope right now, so we’re holding on to that right now,” JJ said.

They know people who rely on public spaces for shelter. Both are worried about what the new law will mean for others in their situation.

“There’s no real safe place that you can sleep, especially if you’re outside,” Jennifer said. “To do that to those people who are already down as far as they can possibly get is not right.”

According to data from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Marion County is short 33,600 housing units for households at or below 30% of the area median income.

Shelburne is urging lawmakers to see the real people impacted.

“We need more help starting from the ground up,” Shelburne said. “Not coming up with band-aid solutions that are just going to increase our crisis.”

The first phase of construction on Circle City Village is scheduled to be completed this summer.

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Indianapolis, IN

Council Approves Increase in Indy Vehicle Tax

Published

23 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Press Room

Council Approves Increase in Indy Vehicle Tax

Source: Indianapolis City-County Building. Picture from Indy.gov

INDIANAPOLIS — People who live and drive in Marion County will pay more to register their vehicles starting next year after the City-County Council approved changes to vehicle fees Monday night.

The new plan replaces the current vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax structure with flat annual fees.

Most vehicles will have a $100 registration fee each year. Vehicles subject to the county wheel tax will pay a $240 annual fee. People will only pay one of the fees depending on their vehicle type.

The changes begin Jan. 1, 2027, and are expected to raise about $356 million over the next five years for road improvements across Marion County.

Supporters say the additional money will help pay for repairs and other transportation projects. The plan is also expected to help Marion County receive additional state funding for roads.

The proposal has faced opposition from some local leaders and residents who say raising costs is difficult as people continue to deal with higher prices for everyday expenses.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett previously opposed the increase, saying he did not believe residents should have to pay more through a tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements.

The City-County Council approved the changes Monday night after the proposal moved through committee last week. The new fees will be collected when people renew their vehicle registrations beginning in 2027.

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