Cam Little’s 60-yard field goal gave Jacksonville new life late against Houston two weeks ago, but the Jaguars still watched the Texans win on the final kick. Now the Jaguars return to EverBank Stadium at 4-2, with another AFC South game waiting. The Colts arrive at 2-5 after three straight losses, but they bring the kind of powerful runner who can change a game with one opening: Jonathan Taylor.

This is a meeting between a Jacksonville team trying to stay near the front of the division and an Indianapolis team trying to stop its slide before the season gets away. The Jaguars have scored nearly 26 points per game while allowing only 17.3. That gap shows a team that can make plays on both sides of the ball. The Colts have been closer to their opponents, scoring 22 points per game but allowing almost 26. Their challenge is simple: turn solid stretches into a full four quarters.

Jacksonville’s story starts with Trevor Lawrence. The quarterback has thrown 14 touchdown passes in six games, and he showed his fighting spirit against Houston by passing for 306 yards and four scores. Lawrence can attack deep, zip quick throws to open receivers, and keep defenses guessing. His biggest helper is Bhayshul Tuten, a quick-cutting runner who has piled up 388 rushing yards. Tuten also catches passes, which makes him a problem for defenders who must decide whether to guard the run or the short throw.

The Jaguars will need that balance because right tackle Anton Harrison is out with a knee injury. Jacksonville must protect Lawrence and create room for Tuten against a Colts defense that needs a momentum-changing stop. Indianapolis could also be short-handed in the secondary, with cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Justin Walley listed as questionable. Those injuries could make Lawrence’s targets, including Parker Washington, even more important.

Still, Taylor gives Indianapolis a path back into the game. He ran for 95 yards against Minnesota, including a 38-yard touchdown burst that showed his speed once he reaches the second level. Taylor already has eight rushing touchdowns this season. If he can keep the Colts moving on the ground, quarterback Daniel Jones can use short passes to tight end Tyler Warren and look for bigger plays downfield.

Warren’s status matters greatly. He is questionable with a groin injury, while wide receiver Alec Pierce is unlikely to return from injured reserve this week. Warren has been Jones’ most reliable target, using his size to make catches in traffic. Without Pierce, Indianapolis may have fewer chances to stretch Jacksonville’s defense with long throws.

The Colts must also protect the football after giving it away far more often than they have taken it back this season. Jacksonville has created extra possessions with its alert, attacking defense, and that strength could shape a close game.

Taylor can make the afternoon exciting, but Jacksonville has more ways to move the ball, a stronger record, and home-field energy after its narrow loss. Prediction: the Jaguars win.

Trevor Lawrence and Jonathan Taylor Meet in Jacksonville’s Week 8 Race