Indianapolis, IN
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
Indianapolis, IN
Armed carjacking reported at Fishers IHOP; 2 Indianapolis teens arrested
FISHERS, Ind. — Two Indianapolis teens were arrested after an alleged armed carjacking at a Fishers IHOP.
In a post on Facebook, the Fishers Police Department indicated that its officers were called to the IHOP restaurant located at 9750 North by Northeast Boulevard around 10:39 p.m. Monday to investigate a reported carjacking. After they arrived at the scene, which was located just north of East 96th Street, police determined two suspects had pointed a firearm at a food delivery driver and demanded that they hand over the keys to their car.
After the victim gave up the keys to their car, the suspects fled the scene. FPD reported that the victim was not harmed during their encounter with the suspects.
Police told FOX59/CBS4 that the alleged carjacking appeared to be a crime of opportunity. Investigators believe the suspects saw the delivery driver picking up food at IHOP and took advantage of the opportunity to steal a car.
During their investigation of the alleged carjacking, police reviewed Flock camera data and determined the suspects had driven toward Binford Boulevard after they fled the IHOP. Investigators ultimately tracked the suspects to an apartment complex in Indianapolis.
Law enforcement found the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot of the apartment complex in question. The car was unoccupied when police located it.
FPD ultimately arrested the suspects after receiving a search warrant. Fishers police received assistance with the arrest from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s violent crimes task force and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s K-9 and special weapons and tactics (SWAT) units.
Investigators determined the two individuals they arrested in Indianapolis were the suspects implicated in the carjacking via surveillance video. Per FPD, the video confirmed that the suspects were wearing the same clothes during both their arrests and the alleged carjacking.
Police recovered more of the victim’s personal items from their car once they located it. Officers also found the firearm that the suspects allegedly used during the incident. FPD reported that the gun the suspects used during the alleged carjacking had an extended magazine.
Investigators identified one of the suspects as 18-year-old Khalil Glover. The other suspect is a 17-year-old male. FPD did not publicly release the juvenile suspect’s name.
Glover faces the following formal charges:
- Armed robbery — A Level 3 Felony
- Pointing a firearm at another — a Level 6 Felony
- Auto theft — a Level 6 Felony
- Theft where the value of the property stolen is between $750 and $50,000
It is currently unclear if the juvenile implicated in the alleged carjacking will be officially charged as an adult. FPD arrested him on the following preliminary charges:
- Armed robbery — a Level 3 Felony
- Pointing a firearm — a Level 6 Felony
- Auto theft — a Level 6 Felony
- Theft — a Level 6 Felony
- Unlawful carrying of a handgun — a Class A Misdemeanor
Glover and the juvenile suspect were both transported to the Hamilton County jail following their arrests. FPD indicated that, during its interview with Glover, he admitted that he and the juvenile had participated in a robbery. Police have not clarified whether it was Glover or the juvenile who pointed the gun at the victim during the alleged carjacking.
“When someone in our city, whether a resident or someone visiting is victimized, we take it personal,” Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart said via release. “We will use all our resources, all our people, and all our partnerships to find criminals and hold them accountable. Technology helps us, but it’s just a tool for good, old-fashioned police work to take place. I’m extremely proud of our team and our ability to work with our law enforcement partners.”
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis’ best-kept secret will make-or-break the Colts’ season
In recent years, the Indianapolis Colts have taken pride in their offensive line. It only took derailing Andrew Luck’s career for general manager Chris Ballard to realize that he needed to bolster the trenches to protect the quarterback.
Despite some minor turnaround between seasons, the Colts’ line has held its ground for the most part. That has helped Jonathan Taylor establish himself as one of the most underrated players in the game.
Considering that, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski chose center Tanor Bartolini as the Colts’ best-kept secret. In his latest column, he gushed about how he was a seamless replacement for Ryan Kelly and how crucial he’ll be for Shane Steichen’s team.
The Indianapolis Colts need Tanor Bartolini to take another step in 2026
“After one full season as a starter, the Indianapolis Colts’ Tanor Bortolini has established himself as one of the game’s best centers already,” Sobleski wrote. “The Colts eased Bortolini into the lineup as a rookie, because Ryan Kelly was still on the team. With Kelly leaving last offseason, Bortolini was asked to take over the spot and excelled.”
Standing at 6’4″ and 310 pounds, Bartolini has the prototypical body of an NFL center. However, he’s light on his feet and much more athletic than the average center, though his shorter arms limited as a pass-blocker. He has a strong technique and has the potential to be one of the best run zone-blockers in the game.
Pro Football Focus (subscription required) gave him an 82.6 overall grade, which ranked 3rd among 40 eligible players at the position; not so bad for a 23-year-old in his first full season as a starter. He was slightly above average in pass protection (66.2, 16th), but he was absolutely elite for the running game (88.2, 3rd).
Bartolini allowed just 17 pressures, including five hits, in 937 total snaps played. He didn’t allow a single sack, though he was called for four penalties, which is something he’ll clean up with more reps under his belt.
The Colts enter this season with more questions than answers on offense. They have fewer weapons for the passing game now that Michael Pittman Jr. is gone, and with Daniel Jones coming off a major injury, keeping a clean pocket will be paramount for Shane Steichen’s team.
Likewise, this team will have a better shot at success the more they get Jonathan Taylor involved. Bartolini’s ability to climb and move in open space will come in handy in 2026, and having him play at the same level — if not better — than he did last season could be the difference between a playoff spot and watching the postseason from home again.
Follow
Indianapolis, IN
Colts WR Alec Pierce talks about ‘incredible experience’ at Indy 500
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has experienced what it’s like to ride in an IndyCar two-seater.
He took a ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports ahead of the 2025 Sonsio Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
This past Sunday, he rode in the Fastest Seat in Sports again. But this time, the two-seater reached higher speeds as it screamed around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval ahead of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
“Incredible experience,” Pierce said. “I’ll never forget that. So cool… At the end there, with the helicopters, that was pretty cool.”
Pierce added that when he was in the car going around the track, he was able to truly realize just how many people were inside IMS. Keep in mind, Sunday’s race was a grandstand sellout and more than 350,000 fans were thought to have been inside the facility.
“You really can see how many… hundreds of thousands of people of people out here,” Pierce said.
Andrew Chernoff, WISH-TV and WRTV 6 weekend sports anchor/reporter, asked Pierce how the Indy 500 ride in the two-seater compared to the once Pierce took ahead of the Sonsio Grand Prix.
“The Grand Prix I didn’t know what I was signing up for,” Pierce said. “That was a little bit more like the racing itself. The driving in the car was crazy because it was all those turns and this was cool. This was we were just going super fast. This was more just cool to see everybody out there and just be on the track and be a part of such a special event.”
Pierce just wrapped up his fourth season in the NFL.
This past year was arguably the best year of his career. He finished with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards. Pierce also hauled in six touchdowns.
He signed a new, four-year contract with the Colts back in March.
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Jimmie Johnson drove the two-seater that Pierce experienced this weekend.
-
Technology4 minutes agoYouTube will let you ask AI to make a custom video feed
-
World10 minutes agoCrash involving speeding train, minibus in Belgium leaves 4 dead including 2 children
-
Politics16 minutes agoRFK Jr. responds to snake-handling critics with new video showing him wrangling a venomous rattlesnake
-
Health22 minutes agoDoctors push new blood tests for colon cancer as cases surge in younger adults
-
Sports28 minutes agoCaitlin Clark listed as probable for Fever-Valkyries rematch following early season back issues
-
Technology34 minutes agoAre bank text codes enough to protect you?
-
Business40 minutes agoDark Horse Comics to close all Things From Another World storefronts
-
Entertainment46 minutes agoGrizz Chapman, ‘30 Rock’ actor who received kidney transplant from a fan, dies at 52