Last meeting
In Week 7 on Monday Night Football, Peyton Manning was held to 259 yards and a touchdown, but the Colts won anyway, 29-7, after Jaguars QB Quinn Gray threw two interceptions while replacing an injured David Garrard.
Streaks
The Colts have won four of the last five meetings and lead the overall series, 10-3.
Last week
Manning threw three touchdowns and rookie WR Anthony Gonazalez posted a career-high 105 yards on six receptions to help beat the Falcons 31-13 on Thanksgiving Day. ... Jaguars RB Fred Taylor had a season-high 104 yards and scored a touchdown to help Jacksonville top the Bills 36-14.
At stake
This game will undoubtedly be the biggest of the season for both teams, even bigger than Colts-Patriots because it has division title implications. The Jaguars trail the Colts by one game in the AFC South. The Jaguars have been helped by the recent return of Garrard, who continues to play mistake-free football behind center, while Manning and the Colts continue to succeed despite missing key startes to injuries.
Key matchup
Jaguars QB David Garrard vs. Colts secondary. Garrard left the Jaguars' first meeting against the Colts after 12 snaps due to an ankle injury that kept him out of three games. Now he is back, continuing his streak of eight consecutive games (209 pass attempts) without throwing an interception. Coach Jack Del Rio's preseason decision to go with Garrard over Byron Leftwich seems to be paying dividends, especially when it comes to converting third downs, where Garrard continues to move the chains. But he will have to do it against a strong Colts secondary that ranks second in the league against the pass and has forced 15 interceptions in 11 games.
Did you know?
The Colts are aiming for their ninth-straight win at home vs. the AFC South. ... Both teams are trying for their fourth straight victory.
