The Colts are a 4.5-point underdog in this week’s game, which points towards a passing game script.
This game will be played in a dome—which means zero wind, higher pass volume, higher touchdown potential, and increased passing effectiveness.
Opposing teams have averaged 35.1 pass attempts per game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars defense since the start of last season: 7th-most in the NFL.
Opposing teams have thrown for the 10th-most yards in football (232.0 per game) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars defense since the start of last season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has been particularly weak when opposing pass-catchers have gotten into space, allowing an average of 5.11 yards-after-the-catch since the start of last season: the 7th-most in the league.
Cons
The Indianapolis Colts boast a new play-caller this year in head coach Shane Steichen, and THE BLITZ projects their pass/run mix to tilt 2.9% more towards rushing than it did last year (context-neutralized).
THE BLITZ projects the Indianapolis Colts as the 6th-least pass-heavy offense on the slate this week with a 54.8% pass rate, given their underlying tendencies and matchup dynamics.
THE BLITZ projects the Indianapolis Colts to be the 6th-worst paced defense in football (adjusted for context) right now, causing opposing offenses to average 28.48 seconds per play.
THE BLITZ projects Anthony Richardson to attempt 32.6 passes in this week’s contest, on average: the 10th-least of all QBs.
The Indianapolis Colts O-line grades out as the 8th-worst in football since the start of last season in protecting the quarterback, which has a harmful effect on all passing attack stats across the board.