Jacksonville Jaguars predictions: Who do NFL experts think will win Week 1 game vs. Colts?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have high hopes for the 2023 NFL season. Can they get started on the right foot?

Coach Doug Pederson's first test is on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, a team with similar hopes for their rookie quarterback. Indy took Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he will be under center for Sunday's Week 1 game.

Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, is leading an exciting offense in Jacksonville. After winning the AFC South and rallying for a historic playoff win over the Chargers, the Jags now add receiver Calvin Ridley to an arsenal that already included dynamic running back Travis Etienne and play-making tight end Evan Engram.

Will Richardson prove to be the difference for the Colts? They went 4-12-1 in a tumultuous year that saw Matt Ryan and Sam Ehlinger take turns at quarterback and Matt Saturday come from the ESPN studio to take over for head coach Frank Reich. Now Shane Steichen is in charge in Indy to shepherd Richardson's development after serving as offensive coordinator for the high-flying Philadelphia Eagles last season.

Who will win in Week 1? NFL experts make their predictions:

Jaguars roundtable: How have expectations changed as team gets ready to take on Colts?

Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY: Jaguars 25-17

"Frankly, this one may have the makings of a blowout. While Anthony Richardson has all the raw material to potentially be a star, Indianapolis has such a young and uneven roster. Not having Jonathan Taylor is a massive blow and Richardson may feel compelled to put the team on his back. With a veteran coach like Doug Pederson and ascending stars like Trevor Lawrence on the Jaguars’ side, I’m comfortably backing the Jags to clear five points."

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Jaguars 27-20

"The Jaguars should run away with the AFC South after rolling through the second half and getting into the divisional playoffs. The buzz about their offense with Trevor Lawrence is off the charts with newcomers Calvin Ridley and Tank Bigsby. The Colts have intrigue, too, with rookie QB Anthony Richardson, but then there's the Jonathan Taylor drama and rebooting the passing game. Jacksonville and Lawerence begin a big season to come in style on the road for Doug Pederson."

Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report: Jaguars win close

"I like the Jaguars to win here, but I don't expect them to dominate as many might expect. Early divisional games can be tough, and the Anthony Richardson surprise factor should be enough to make this a field-goal game. The Colts' rookie QB may eventually hit a wall once teams have more tape on him, but he'll do enough to keep Jacksonville's defense off-balance and keep Indy in the game."

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Jaguars 27-17

"The Jaguars ... should be getting the same kind of buzz and hype that the Lions are getting. They did more than the Lions last year. They made the playoffs, they won, they should have that vibe and that sizzle, and they don't."

Gennaro Felice, NFL.com: Jaguars 27-17

"Jacksonville enters the season as the clear favorite in the AFC South, largely because Trevor Lawrence began living up to the GENERATIONAL PROSPECT hype during the back half of 2022. Can the third-year passer continue his upward trajectory in Year 2 under Doug Pederson? Well, opening up the season against a secondary with serious question marks -- and alarming youth at cornerback -- doesn't hurt. Neither does taking the field with a legit No. 1 receiver in Calvin Ridley, whose route artistry will demoralize Indy's green cover men."

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Jaguars 31-21

"Anthony Richardson will be making his first start against a Jacksonville team that took off around Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence last season. The Jaguars ranked 26th in the NFL in sacks last season, so monitor how much they turn up the pressure. Calvin Riley – who has been reinstated after a year-long suspension – will make his presence felt as a new target for Lawrence."

Chris Simms, Pro Football Talk: Jaguars 27-17

"Anthony Richardson, who we saw in preseason game 3. The word 'raw' hit us all in the face. It was preseason game No. 3, they were playing against third-stringers against the Philadelphia Eagles and he was 6 for 18, right? So he's not gonna be ready for prime time here. And the Jags are legit across the board."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Jaguars 34-17

"The Colts will be trotting out rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson against the Jaguars. At least he's at home, which will help. But the running game is limited without Jonathan Taylor. The Jaguars will be dynamic on offense this season, and it will start here. Look for a big day from Trevor Lawrence."

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Jaguars vs. Colts predictions: NFL experts pick Week 1 game 2023