Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions: Game Preview
The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) are set to face off against the Detroit Lions (8-1) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, broadcasted on CBS. The Lions enter the matchup as heavy favorites, with BetMGM giving them a 14-point advantage. Both teams have shown different levels of performance against the spread this season, with the Jaguars at 6-4 and the Lions at 7-2. The all-time series favors Detroit, which currently leads 5-3. Their last encounter ended in a significant victory for the Lions, as they triumphed over the Jaguars with a score of 40-14 back on December 4, 2022.
In their most recent games, the Jaguars suffered a narrow defeat against the Vikings, finishing at 12-7, while the Lions celebrated a close 26-23 victory over the Texans. Analyzing the teams, the Jaguars’ offense ranks 25th overall, with a 25th position in rushing, 23rd in passing, and 21st in scoring. Conversely, the Lions boast a more formidable offense, ranking 7th overall, with their rushing game also ranked 7th, passing at 14th, and scoring at an impressive 2nd place. On defense, however, the Jaguars rank at the bottom in terms of overall performance, coming in 32nd place and struggling particularly against both the run and scoring, while the Lions sit at 20th overall for their defensive stats.
As for the key players to watch, Jaguars’ quarterback Mac Jones will be making his second consecutive start in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence. Jones has prior experience, having started 42 games for New England. In his latest outing, he managed only 111 passing yards with two interceptions and a fumble, underscoring the struggles of the Jaguars, whose total offensive yards fell to 143, marking one of their lowest outputs in history. On the other hand, Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff is looking to rebound after a challenging game where he threw a career-high five interceptions after previously maintaining a strong streak. He did manage to orchestrate a game-winning drive during the game against Houston, contributing to his growing resume as a clutch performer.
A pivotal aspect of this matchup will be the battle between Detroit’s solid running game versus Jacksonville’s struggling run defense. The Lions feature talented running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, both of whom have surpassed 700 scrimmage yards and amassed a total of eight touchdowns this season. This achievement marks them as the first duo to reach such numbers since the 1959 Cleveland Browns. The Jaguars’ defense highlights a weakness, conceding an average of 129.4 rushing yards per game.
In terms of injuries, Trevor Lawrence will be sidelined for the second week with a left shoulder injury, and rookie RB Tank Bigsby is also questionable due to an ankle issue. Jacksonville hopes to regain the services of LG Ezra Cleveland after a week’s absence. On the Lions’ side, TE Sam LaPorta is dealing with a shoulder injury. OT Taylor Decker has confirmed his return after missing the previous game, while LB Malcolm Rodriguez remains out as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Looking back at the series history, the Lions currently enjoy a four-game winning streak over the Jaguars, including the last meeting where they dominated in multiple facets. The Jaguars had a brief winning stint prior to their current slump. Notably, Detroit’s victory over Jacksonville in 1995 was a blowout at 44-0, marking a memorable event in the early days of the franchise.
Statistically, following their promising 2022 season where they clinched the AFC South title, the Jaguars have significantly declined, with only two wins in their last 16 games. Next week provides them with a bye, potentially allowing Lawrence to return for their game against the Texans on December 1. Coach Doug Pederson’s tenure appears at risk following a disappointing 2-8 start after two consecutive seasons at 9-8. Meanwhile, Jones, picked 15th overall by the Patriots in 2021, has a mixed career record of 18-25, bringing both touchdowns and interceptions in equal measure. Defensive standout Travon Walker, the first overall pick in 2022, continues to assert himself with seven and a half sacks this season. Adding to the drama, the Lions have emphasized their resilience, with their recent comeback against Houston marking their most extended win streak as a franchise since 1934.
As fantasy football players strategize for this matchup, tight end Brock Wright may offer value, especially if starting options are limited. With nine receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown already this season, Wright might find himself heavily involved in the Lions’ offense due to LaPorta’s injury. The Jaguars have struggled particularly against tight ends, potentially making this matchup a fruitful one for Wright’s fantasy owners.