The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders are set to clash on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. This matchup, airing on CBS at 4:25 pm ET, promises to be an intriguing battle between two struggling teams. With both teams desperate for a win, fans and bettors alike are eager to see who will come out on top.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The betting lines for this game are tight. According to DraftKings, the point spread has the Jaguars as a +1 underdog, with the Raiders favored by -1. The over/under is set at 40 points, while BetMGM offers a slightly lower over/under at 39.5 points. With such close odds, this game is expected to be a nail-biter.
Season Record
The Jaguars are entering this game with a disappointing 3-11 record, placing them third in the AFC South. Meanwhile, the Raiders have fared even worse, with a 2-12 record, sitting at the bottom of the AFC West. Both teams are looking to salvage some pride as the season winds down.
Recent Form
Both teams are coming off losses. The Jaguars fell to the New York Jets in a high-scoring affair, 32-25, while the Raiders were defeated by the Atlanta Falcons, 15-9. These recent results highlight the struggles both teams have faced this season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Las Vegas Raiders Preview and Analysis
The Jaguars have shown flashes of potential, despite their record. Mac Jones, stepping in as the starting QB, threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns in their last outing. Travis Etienne Jr. and Brian Thomas Jr. have been key contributors on offense, while the defense, led by Tyson Campbell and Jeremiah Ledbetter, has had its moments. However, consistency remains an issue.
On the other hand, the Raiders have had a tumultuous season. Desmond Ridder, their starting QB, has struggled with turnovers, throwing two interceptions in their last game. The Raiders’ offense has been lackluster, with Jakobi Meyers and Isaiah Pola-Mao trying to carry the load. The defense has shown some resilience, with players like Robert Spillane making key plays, but they have often been left to fend for themselves as the offense sputters.
Jaguars vs Raiders Prediction
Given the current form and betting odds, the Jaguars appear to have a slight edge. Despite their poor record, they’ve shown some fight in recent games and have a chance to exploit the Raiders’ defensive vulnerabilities. The prediction for this matchup is a narrow victory for the Jaguars, with a final score of 17-13. Bettors might consider backing the Jaguars to cover the spread.
NFL Betting Trends
Analyzing the betting trends, the Jaguars are 4-7 ATS off a home loss and 6-11 1H ATS as a road underdog. They tend to go UNDER against AFC West opponents, with a 5-2 record. Meanwhile, the Raiders are 9-4 ATS as a home favorite of 7 points or less and 8-4 ATS after a loss by 6 or fewer points. They also favor the UNDER in tight games, with a 14-8 record when the line is between +3 and -3.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a crucial role in this game. The Jaguars are dealing with several key injuries, including B. Strange (TE) with a shoulder injury and W. Little (OL) with an ankle issue. The Raiders are similarly hampered, with D. Ridder (QB) nursing a hip injury and A. Mattison (RB) out with a neck problem.
Notable Quotes
After their recent loss, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson remarked, “Aaron is a great quarterback. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. They made plays that we didn’t make, and that part’s unfortunate. It comes down to just a couple plays in your season or your game or whatever could be a little bit different.” Meanwhile, Raiders QB Desmond Ridder noted, “We were never able to find a rhythm until late in the game. By then, it’s too little, too late.”
Starting Lineups
For the Jaguars, the starting lineup includes WR Brian Thomas Jr., WR Parker Washington, and QB Mac Jones. The Raiders will feature WR Tre Tucker, WR Jakobi Meyers, and QB Aidan O’Connell, assuming he is fit to play.
Statistical Leaders
In terms of statistics, the Jaguars’ T. Lawrence leads in passing with 2045 yards, while T. Bigsby has rushed for 644 yards. B. Thomas is their top receiver with 956 yards and 8 touchdowns. For the Raiders, G. Minshew has thrown for 2013 yards, A. Mattison has rushed for 341 yards, and B. Bowers has 968 receiving yards.
As the Jaguars and Raiders prepare to face off, the stakes are high. Both teams are eager to end their season on a positive note, and this game could provide the spark they need. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, this matchup is one to watch closely.
