Jaguars vs. Colts Week 8 Fantasy Analysis and Player Projections

Jacksonville Jaguars host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8 amid a two-point spread shift

Jacksonville hosts division rival Indianapolis fresh off a bye just as the Colts decide to start the fire sale. According to Fantasy Life’s reporting, the point spread moved a full two points following Tuesday’s trades, which sent Pro-Bowlers DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson out of Indianapolis for draft picks. The moves leave both sides of the ball at a measurable disadvantage as the Colts prepare to face a Jaguars defense ranking among the league’s top three in scoring.

The timing sets up a stark contrast between two AFC South opponents heading in opposite directions. While Jacksonville sits comfortably with positive Expected Points Added (EPA) on both sides of the ball, Indianapolis must navigate mounting offensive struggles without key interior linemen.

Indianapolis Colts Offense Devalues Fantasy Assets

The fire sale in Indianapolis has severely damaged an already struggling offense. Quarterback Daniel Jones currently ranks as the QB26 overall, dropping to QB39 on a points-per-game basis at 9.2, backed by 5.9 yards per attempt and a 69.2 passer rating without a single top-15 finish this season.

Jaguars vs. Colts Week 8 Fantasy Analysis and Player Projections

Pass catchers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs continue to run routes and command at least 6.6 targets per game, but low average depth of target (aDOT) metrics and poor passing accuracy drag their production down. In backfields, Jonathan Taylor remains the lone bright spot, averaging 19.6 points per game as fantasy’s RB5 on an 81% opportunity share with eight touchdowns. Despite front office declarations that Taylor will not be moved before the trade deadline, analysts point to rookie Seth McGowan—who turned 12 touches into 48 yards against Minnesota—as a player to watch if the Colts continue wheeling and dealing.

Player	Position/Team	Fantasy Designation	Key Metric
Jonathan Taylor	RB, Indianapolis	Start (RB12)	19.6 PPG, 8 TDs
Keenan Allen	WR, Indianapolis	Start (WR31)	6.6 targets/game
Daniel Jones	QB, Indianapolis	Sit (QB28)	9.2 PPG, 69.2 passer rating
Josh Downs	WR, Indianapolis	Sleeper (WR34)	Low aDOT, high target volume

Jacksonville Jaguars Bring Balance and Efficiency

Jacksonville enters this matchup as one of just seven teams boasting positive EPA on both sides of the ball. Trevor Lawrence anchors the offense as fantasy’s QB10 in points per game at 19.0, supported by 0.19 EPA per dropback, a 106.2 passer rating, and an 8.0 yards-per-attempt average.

Running back Bhayshul Tuten broke through for a top-3 weekly finish following weeks of frustrating penalties, averaging just under 18 touches per game for 66% of the backfield opportunities. In the receiving corps, Parker Washington leads the team with 7.7 targets per game, while tight end Brenton Strange has climbed the pecking order over the last three weeks, matching Washington’s 7.7 targets per game and posting a 2.52 yards-per-route metric. Meanwhile, two-way player Travis Hunter logged his best offensive game of the season with 4 catches for 59 yards and a touchdown while playing 98% of defensive snaps at cornerback.

Player	Position/Team	Fantasy Designation	Key Metric
Trevor Lawrence	QB, Jacksonville	Start (QB5)	19.0 PPG, 106.2 passer rating
Bhayshul Tuten	RB, Jacksonville	Start (RB16)	~18 touches/game
Parker Washington	WR, Jacksonville	Start (WR11)	7.7 targets/game, 2.39 yards/route
Brenton Strange	TE, Jacksonville	Start (TE11)	2.52 yards/route
Jakobi Meyers	WR, Jacksonville	Sleeper (WR41)	Team-leading 6 end-zone targets