TONIGHT

JACKSONVILLE at INDIANAPOLIS, 6 p.m.

* The line: Indianapolis by 3 1/2

* Story line: Tonight’s matchup features two of the finest offenses in the game. Jaguar wide receivers Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell form an explosive package with quarterback Mark Brunell, while the Colts counter with the dangerous trifecta of quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Edgerrin James and receiver Marvin Harrison. This could be a preview of the AFC championship game.

* Key matchup: Jacksonville’s sputtering offense (28th in the red zone) vs. the Colts’ questionable pass rush (only one sack) and secondary coverage. With an injured Fred Taylor and a battered offensive line, the Jaguars’ rushing offense has sunk from second in the NFL in 1999 to 27th this season. Taylor, who is expected to play for the first time this season after tearing knee ligaments in an exhibition game, will need to be in top form as the Jaguars’ offense without him has been one- dimensional.

* Injury report: No key injuries.

*--*

THE MATCHUPS JAC IND Points scored 25.3 (5) 29.0 (4) Rushing Off. 83.0 (27) 15.0 (8) Passing Def. 201.7 (6) 209.5 (14) Rushing Def. 85.3 (8) 113.0 (22) Time of Poss. 33:21 (5) 31:04 (8) Turnover Ratio +2 (8) -4 (T24) Red Zone TD% 25.0 (T28) 50.0 (T15)

*--*

The pick: Indianapolis. The Colts have too much firepower for the Jaguars, who still need to solve some problems on offense.