Week 7 AFC South predictions: Jaguars get chance to shine in prime time

The AFC South went 2-2 last week with the Houston Texans picking up a big win over the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars sweeping the season series against the Indianapolis Colts. The Tennessee Titans also suffered defeat against the Baltimore Ravens in London. Here are predictions for Week 7’s slate of games:

Houston Texans (3-3): Bye

Tennessee Titans (2-4): Bye

Indianapolis Colts (3-3) vs. Cleveland Browns (3-2): This game couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Colts, who are starting their backup quarterback against the Browns and their No. 1-ranked defense. Gardner Minshew threw for 329 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, but he also threw three interceptions and Indy trailed 31-6 at one point.

Fresh off their upset of the San Francisco 49ers, the Browns showed that they aren’t to be taken lightly, even if Deshaun Watson isn’t in the lineup. Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt appear to be doing a strong job replacing Nick Chubb and quarterback P.J. Walker is a solid game manager.

If the Colts have a shot at winning, Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor need to total more than the 40 rushing yards they combined for last week. The Colts should put some points on the board, but it’s hard to see the Browns defense breaking against a backup quarterback.

PREDICTION: Browns 26, Colts 17

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) vs. New Orleans Saints (3-3): Jacksonville has won three in a row while averaging 28 points per game and allowing just 15, which doesn’t bode well for the Saints, who rank 20th in total offense and 24th in scoring offense and have scored more than 20 points just once this season.

After suffering a knee injury in Sunday’s 37-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence is optimistic he will play Thursday night against the Saints. Whether he actually does or not will certainly have a bearing on the outcome of the game. C.J. Beathard, who’s 2-10 as an NFL starter, is Lawrence’s backup.

If Lawrence plays, the Jaguars’ chances of winning increase exponentially. The 24-year-old QB ranks 10th in passing yards per game, 11th in passer rating and he’s tied for 13th in touchdowns. If it’s Beathard under center, the Jags may have to rely on Travis Etienne, who’s scored two touchdowns in each of his last two games, to carry the load.

PREDICTION: Jaguars 24, Saints 14