Despite a disastrous start to the season, the Indianapolis Colts were able to get in the win column last week in an extremely familiar way: by beating a division foe. The Colts have won 14 straight AFC South matchups heading into their Week 4 meeting against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have lost five straight to their Indianapolis rivals.
Jaguars vs. Colts 2015 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Both teams are fighting for a share of the lead in the AFC South.
But the Colts' problems weren't magically solved when quarterback Andrew Luck led them to a comeback win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Luck's current quarterback rating is the worst in the league at 65.1, having only completed 65 of 116 for 753 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Though Luck’s turnovers have played a major role in the Colts’ offensive struggles this year, he’s not the only person to blame. The offensive line has been putrid so far this season and has allowed 18 sacks in three games. If the line on both sides of the ball can tighten up moving forward, the offense will find more success and the defense can keep them in the game.
On top of his lack of production, Luck is also dealing with a right shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out of Sunday's matchup. He didn't throw during Wednesday's practice, only handing the ball off to running backs, and was limited again in practice Thursday and Friday. Despite head coach Chuck Pagano saying he had "supreme confidence" that Luck will take the field against Jacksonville on Sunday, it looks like 40-year-old backup Matt Hasselbeck will be under center.
Hasselbeck will have several weapons at his disposal. Wideout T.Y. Hilton is back after an early-season injury, and along with running back Frank Gore -- who is playing like he's still in his 20s -- they can create more big-play opportunities.
Despite a rocky start, the Colts have a more successful all-around offense than the Jaguars. Led by second-year quarterback Blake Bortles, the Jags have been inconsistent since last year's 3-13 season, but have showed small signs of hope along the way.
Although rookie back T.J. Yeldon was able to create some running room in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, he was stuffed against the New England Patriots the following week. He has 154 rushing yards on the season and no scores, but if he can break out, the Jags offense would be a lot more complete.
The Jags have relied heavily on the passing game, which has accounted for all five of the team's touchdowns this season with targets like Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Robinson has proven to be a pivotal player in the Jags' offense, and the team has flourished when he has done well and suffered when he's been stopped.
The Jags and Colts alike will be able to take advantage of this matchup offensively and work on their long plays and deep passes. The Colts will face a Jags secondary that is missing most of their starters due to injuries, and Bortles will face a similar situation, with the Colts missing two cornerbacks.
These teams have been faced with a litany of injuries to overcome on both sides of the ball. Aside from the huge losses on defense, Marqise Lee and Denard Robinson are out for the Jags' offense, and the Colts are without tight end Greg Toler.
The AFC South is a four-way tie in mediocrity with each team sitting at 1-2, but the winner of this Jags-Colts matchup will create some space in the rankings.
How to watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: CBS
Announcers: Tom McCarthy, Adam Archuleta
Online: NFL Game Pass
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