The anticipation is building as the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to face off against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Scheduled for a 1:00 pm ET kickoff on Sunday, November 17, 2024, this game promises to be a clash of contrasting fortunes. The Lions, riding high with an 8-1 record, will host the struggling Jaguars, who are currently at 2-8. Fans can catch all the action live on CBS.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
For those looking to add a little excitement to their Sunday, the betting odds are already out. According to DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM, the Lions are favored by 13 points, with the over/under set at 47 points. This spread reflects the Lions’ dominant season and the Jaguars’ ongoing struggles.
Season Record
The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves at the bottom of the AFC South with a 2-8 record. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are leading the NFC North with an impressive 8-1 record. The Lions have been a force to reckon with this season, showcasing their prowess both at home and on the road.
Recent Form
The Jaguars are coming off a disappointing 12-7 home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. In contrast, the Lions secured a hard-fought 26-23 victory on the road against the Houston Texans. These recent results highlight the current form of both teams, with the Lions looking to maintain their winning momentum.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions Preview and Analysis
The Jaguars’ season has been marred by inconsistency, and they are now facing the formidable Lions on the road. With a 1-3 home record and 0-4 on the road, Jacksonville’s challenges are evident. Mac Jones, stepping in as the starting QB, struggled in their last game, completing only 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards and two interceptions. The offense, missing Trevor Lawrence, has been lackluster, managing only seven points against the Vikings.
On the other hand, the Lions are thriving. With a 5-0 road record and 3-1 at home, they have been a dominant force. Jared Goff, despite throwing five interceptions in their last game, led the team to victory. The Lions’ offense, spearheaded by Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, has been formidable, and their defense has been equally impressive.
Jaguars vs. Lions Prediction
The Lions are on a roll, and with the Jaguars’ current form, it’s hard to see them faltering. The Lions are expected to cover the 13-point spread, with a predicted scoreline of Lions 42, Jaguars 6. The Jaguars’ defense might have shown promise against the Vikings, but facing the Lions’ high-powered offense on the road is a different challenge altogether.
NFL Betting Trends
For those interested in betting trends, the Jaguars are 3-6 ATS off a home loss and 4-10 1H ATS in non-conference games. They tend to go over as a road underdog, with a 10-5 record. The Lions, on the other hand, boast a 33-13 ATS record in all games and are 16-7 ATS at home. They also have a strong over record, especially in home games with totals between 42.5 and 49 points.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a crucial role in this matchup. The Jaguars have several players listed as questionable, including Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) and Travis Etienne (hamstring). The Lions have their share of injuries too, with Taylor Decker (shoulder) and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) among those sidelined.
Notable Quotes
Doug Pederson, reflecting on the Jaguars’ recent struggles, said, “We have five or six one-score games. It’s hard. As a team, as coaches, we’re making it hard. We’re making it too hard.” Meanwhile, Dan Campbell praised his team’s resilience after their win against the Texans, stating, “Our guys wouldn’t go away. They just wouldn’t go away.”
Starting Lineups
For the Jaguars, Mac Jones will lead the offense alongside Travis Etienne and Evan Engram. The Lions will rely on Jared Goff, with support from Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Statistical Leaders
Trevor Lawrence leads the Jaguars in passing yards with 2004, while Travis Etienne has rushed for 519 yards. For the Lions, Jared Goff has thrown for 2080 yards, and Jahmyr Gibbs leads in rushing with 727 yards.
As the game approaches, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see if the Lions can continue their dominant run or if the Jaguars can pull off an upset. With both teams having much at stake, this matchup promises to be an intriguing contest.
