Jaguars 23-17 Colts: Trevor Lawrence's 2 TD Runs Lead Jacksonville to AFC South Title Contention (2026)

The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the prowl, and they're making a statement! In a thrilling NFL matchup on December 28, 2025, the Jaguars clawed their way to a 23-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, and this game was a nail-biter!

A Tale of Two Quarterbacks:

Trevor Lawrence, the dynamic Jaguars quarterback, showcased his dual-threat abilities by rushing for two touchdowns. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite his impressive running, his passing streak of consecutive games with stellar stats came to an end. A bold strategy, perhaps, but did it pay off?

Meanwhile, 44-year-old Colts veteran Philip Rivers, returning from retirement, was kept winless by the Jags' defense. Rivers, relying on his experience, led the Colts to an early lead, but the Jaguars fought back. And this is the part most people miss—the Colts' early advantage was built on a costly fumble by Travis Etienne, a play that could've changed the game's trajectory.

The Turning Point:

As the game progressed, Lawrence responded with two rushing TDs, showcasing his athleticism. But the Colts weren't done yet. They regained the lead with a touchdown pass from Rivers, only to be tied again by Cam Little's reliable kicking. Little's leg proved to be the difference-maker, as his field goals kept the Jaguars in the game and ultimately helped secure the win.

Stats and Milestones:

  • Jaguars' running back Etienne reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the third time in his career, a testament to his consistency.
  • Parker Washington had a standout performance with eight receptions for 115 yards, becoming a reliable target for Lawrence.
  • The Jaguars' defense has been exceptional, forcing 30 takeaways this season, a stark improvement from the previous year.
  • Colts' running back Jonathan Taylor tied franchise records for single-season rushing and total touchdowns, solidifying his status as a scoring machine.

Injuries and What's Next:

The Colts suffered injuries to receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and cornerback Sauce Gardner, which could impact their remaining games. The Jaguars, on the brink of their first AFC South title since 2022, will face the Tennessee Titans next, aiming to secure the division.

This game had it all—comebacks, veteran vs. rising star, and a division title on the line. What's your take on the Jaguars' strategy? Was it a calculated risk to rely on Lawrence's running, or should they have focused more on the passing game? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Jaguars 23-17 Colts: Trevor Lawrence's 2 TD Runs Lead Jacksonville to AFC South Title Contention (2026)
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