It’s already October and four NFL games have already been scheduled. For their part, the Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium in Week 5. While they have a lot ahead of them, the weather could also play a role in the division battle.

After a loss to the Houston Texans, the Jags are 0-4 and looking for their first win of the season. They rank 29th in points scored and 30th in points given up, but they’ve flashed enough in the last four games to look like they have a chance to beat Indy.

First of all, Jacksonville has two dynamic running backs in Tank Bigbsy and Travis Etienne. The duo is currently averaging 5.7 yards per carry, good for second-best in the league. Despite appearing on the Week 5 injury report, they are both ready to go. Additionally, the offensive line appears to be in full swing. After giving up 11 sacks in the first three games, they allowed just one in the loss to Houston.

Add to that the fact that the defense held its own for the most part (with the exception of Week 3), and the Jaguars should have a good chance of defeating Indianapolis. However, they also need to be prepared for a weather forecast that could impact the game.

As fall approaches, temperatures begin to drop. In week 5, the temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is 82 percent. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, the problem is that there’s a 66 percent chance of precipitation and showers are likely.

If it ends up raining, the passing conditions won’t be optimal and the Jaguars won’t be able to throw the ball effectively. This is where the backfield tandem of Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby come into play.

Before the game, the Colts ruled out defensive end Kwity Paye. Additionally, they will be without star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who is currently on Injured Reserve. While Indy still has run-stuffer Grover Stewart on the roster, the Jags should have an incentive to lean heavily on Etienne and Bigsby.

On the other hand, Indianapolis will be without running back Jonathan Taylor, who is dealing with an ankle injury, so they may struggle to get the run going. That’s not all: quarterback Anthony Richardson is questionable for the game due to an oblique injury.

Veteran Joe Flacco has taken most of the first-team reps in training, so no one will bat an eyelid if he gets the start behind center. If he does, Jacksonville can’t afford to take him lightly.

Sure, Flacco is the backup, but he beat the Jags last season as a member of the Cleveland Brown. In fact, that victory boosted his candidacy for Comeback Player of the Year.

The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot to do, even if the weather isn’t great in Week 5. It will be up to them to take advantage of the opportunity.

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