It was an incredibly successful week five, where the Jaguars beat the Bills in London. The Jacksonville Jaguars found their groove in London, winning both games as the first team to play back-to-back games in London. The Jaguars’ week six opponent, the Indianapolis Colts, is coming to Jacksonville. The Jaguars will look to get their first win at home in 2023 and sweep the season series against the Colts. A chance to put themselves firmly atop the division is on tap in the Jaguars’ week six matchup.
Jaguars’ Week Six: Minshew Mania Returns
A fan favorite from not so long ago, Gardner Minshew makes his return to Jacksonville as the signal caller for the Indianapolis Colts in the Jaguars’ week six matchup. After star rookie Anthony Richardson got injured in week five, Gardner Minshew was forced to take over for at least the next four weeks as Anthony Richardson went on injured reserve.
Colts QB Gardner Minshew (10) – Marc Lebryk/USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars’ week six matchup will decide who has sole possession of first place within the AFC South. Jaguars fans get to watch their team at home and hopefully get their first win of the season in Jacksonville. A rocky home stretch against the Chiefs and Texans presided over the Jaguars’ incredible London trip, where they not only got atop the division but beat the Buffalo Bills who project to be a top team in the NFL in 2023.
Proving their belonging amongst the elite teams is something the Jaguars have yet to accomplish in 2023 despite their ability to compete with the top teams. While the Colts aren’t amongst the NFL’s elite in 2023, they’re still a talented and tricky team. Beating the Colts, whether it’s handily or at the last moment, will go a long way in giving the Jaguars confidence.
Jaguars DE Dawuane Smoot (91) – Scott Taetsch/USA TODAY Sports
Fortunately for the Jaguars, they will be getting one of their better defensive linemen back for their week six matchup. Dawuane Smoot is being activated off the PUP list and will play in the Jaguars’ week six matchup against the Colts. A huge get for the Jaguars when the pass rush has been a major concern. It’s just what the doctor ordered for the Jaguars’ defense in the one area where improvements can still be made.
Heading into the Jaguars’ week six matchup, where the Jaguars are looking to finally secure their first home win of 2023, there are two key matchups to watch. One on each side of the ball, and both equally important to the Jaguars success against the Colts in week six.
Two Key Matchups to Watch in Jaguars’ Week Six
Jaguars Wide Receivers vs. Colts Cornerbacks
Jaguars WR Christian Kirk (13) – Ian Walton/AP Photo
Similar to week one, the biggest mismatch of the Jaguars’ week six matchup is the Jaguars wide receivers vs. the Colts cornerbacks. Last time in week one, the Jaguars had Zay Jones as a weapon, but in week six Zay Jones is out and the rest of the receivers will be tasked with setting Trevor Lawrence up for success.
Calvin Ridley is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and this matchup is a fantastic one for Ridley. After a couple of rough weeks, he’s turned things back around and looks to repeat his week one performance.
But, the most interesting aspect of the Jaguars’ week six passing attack will be Christian Kirk. In week one, Kirk didn’t do much and was severely limited in his effectiveness. After seeing how Kirk has responded every week since it’s easy to feel confident in his ability to find success against the Colts despite his week one performance.
With Zay Jones out, Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley will be incredibly busy. Evan Engram will get his as well, and make the Colts defensive backs have more than they can handle.
Jaguars Defensive Line vs. Jonathan Taylor and Zach Moss
One of the biggest changes for the Colts from week one to week six is the return of Jonathan Taylor. The Jaguars’ week six opponent gets their star offensive weapon back against a division rival. However, the Colts won’t have Anthony Richardson. But, the return of Taylor can’t be ignored.
Travon Walker is more known for his run-stopping ability than his pass-rushing ability, so he will need to make an impact against the Colts and their two stud running backs.
Jaguars OLB Travon Walker (44) – Kam Nedd/Jacksonville Jaguars
Taylor is a dynamic running back, and after playing in limited capacity in week five Taylor will see increased usage against the Jaguars. Not many running backs can get close to the ability of Taylor, and it’s no wonder why the Colts signed him to a long-term extension even after all the drama. Zach Moss also provides a tough runner to take down, after he’s had a strong start to the 2023 NFL season.
In the Jaguars’ first matchup, Deon Jackson led the Colts backfield, and he had a tough go at it. Now, the Colts have two running backs that are incredibly dynamic and more versatile than Deon Jackson. The Jaguars’ defensive line, and linebackers, will have an incredible challenge ahead of them.
Week Six Injury Reports
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week Six Injury Report
- WR Zay Jones (Knee) Out
- CB Christian Braswell (Hamstring) Out-IR
- LB Devin Lloyd (Thumb) Questionable
- OT Walker Little (Knee) Out
- OT Cam Robinson (Elbow) No Designation
- DE Dawuane Smoot (Achilles) No Designation
- DT DaVon Hamilton (Back) Out
The Jaguars are finally getting some pass-rush help, and Dawuane Smoot is finally returning to the field for the Jaguars. Unfortunately, DaVon Hamilton is still a little ways away, and the Jaguars’ week six matchup will be played without him.
Jaguars WR Zay Jones (7) – Alastair Grant/AP Photo
As mentioned previously Zay Jones is dealing with a knee injury and will miss the Jaguars’ week six matchup, leaving the offense to Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk.
To make room for Dawuane Smoot on the roster after activating him from the PUP list, the Jaguars placed Christian Braswell on injured reserve. The rookie cornerback will miss the next four games and can return in week eleven.
Indianapolis Colts Week Six Injury Report
- TE Mo Alie-Cox (Concussion) Questionable
- OT Braden Smith (Foot/Wrist/Hip) Out
- LB Shaquille Leonard (Groin) No Designation
- DE Kwity Paye (Concussion) No Designation
- OT Bernard Raimann (Concussion) No Designation
- DT Grover Stewart (Foot) No Designation
- C Ryan Kelly (Ankle/Foot) Questionable
- DT DeForest Buckner (Back) No Designation
Anthony Richardson is the most noteworthy injury for the Colts, but they’re also dealing with some injuries along their offensive line. The other injuries affect the Colts, but Anthony Richardson is the most noteworthy missing piece for the Colts.
The Jaguars’ week six opponent has some injuries that they’re dealing with but will be more than capable of giving the Jaguars a challenge as Gardner Minshew and the Colts come to Jacksonville.
Jaguars’ Week Six Prediction
Jaguars S Andre Cisco (5), and OLB Josh Allen (41) – Kam Nedd/Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ week six matchup is for the AFC South division lead, and the Jaguars claim their place atop the division with a win. I predicted incorrectly in week five, and it went the Jaguars’ way. But this week I look to both continue the Jaguars winning streak and get back on track with my predictions with a Jaguars win for the first time in Jacksonville in 2023.
Josh Allen and Andre Cisco are the defensive leaders, and against Minshew Mania in his return to Jacksonville, they will shut the Colts offense down and lead the Jaguars to a four and two record, putting them in sole possession of first place in the AFC South.
