As the NFL season heats up, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for an intriguing matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans. Set to clash at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN, this Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET, the game promises to be a battle of two struggling teams looking to make a statement. With the game broadcast on CBS, all eyes will be on this AFC South showdown.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
For those looking to place a wager, the current odds at major sportsbooks like DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM have the Titans favored by 3.5 points with an over/under of 39.5 points. The Jaguars, despite their struggles, are seen as underdogs, but can they cover the spread?
Season Record
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a tough season, sitting at 2-10 and languishing in 4th place in the AFC South. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans aren’t faring much better with a 3-9 record, placing them 3rd in the same division. Both teams are desperate for a win to salvage some pride as the season winds down.
Recent Form
The Jaguars are coming off a narrow 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans, a game that saw their starting quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, leave due to injury. Mac Jones stepped in and nearly orchestrated a comeback, showcasing the team’s resilience. On the other hand, the Titans suffered a heavy 42-19 defeat at the hands of the Washington Commanders, highlighting their ongoing struggles this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans Preview and Analysis
The Jaguars have had a dismal season, with a 1-2 record in divisional games and a 1-4 record at home. They have yet to win on the road, going 0-5, and their neutral site record stands at 1-1. Trevor Lawrence’s injury is a significant blow, but Mac Jones showed promise in relief. The Titans, with a 1-1 record in divisional matchups, have been slightly better at 2-5 on the road but have struggled at home with a 1-4 record. Will Levis has been inconsistent, and the team is looking to bounce back after their recent loss.
Jaguars vs Titans Prediction
The betting odds suggest the Titans are favorites, but their performance this season doesn’t inspire much confidence. The Jaguars, despite their record, showed fight in their last game, and with Mac Jones under center, they might just cover the spread. Our prediction for the game is a close contest, with the Jaguars edging out the Titans 23-20. Betting enthusiasts might find value in backing the Jaguars to cover the spread.
NFL Betting Trends
The Jaguars have been somewhat reliable against the spread (ATS) as underdogs, boasting a 9-4 ATS record when the spread is between 3.5 to 9.5 points. They also have a strong 4-0 ATS record against poor teams. The Titans, however, have struggled as favorites, with a 4-8 ATS record. Their games often go under the total, with a 28-18 UNDER record in all games.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a crucial role in the outcome of this game. The Jaguars are dealing with several key injuries, including Brandon Scherff (OL) and Trevor Lawrence (QB), who is questionable. The Titans are also missing key players like Chidobe Awuzie (CB) and Calvin Ridley (WR), which could impact their performance.
Notable Quotes
Mac Jones, reflecting on the Jaguars’ recent loss, said, “Sports are very emotional, especially when something like that happens. We definitely came together as a team and fought hard for Trevor.” Meanwhile, Titans’ QB Will Levis remarked, “Keep going — it’s all we can do. We just keep finding different ways to shoot ourselves in the foot.”
Starting Lineups
For the Jaguars, expect to see Mac Jones at QB, with Travis Etienne Jr. leading the rushing attack. Parker Washington and Tim Jones will be key targets in the receiving corps. The Titans will rely on Will Levis at QB, with Tony Pollard in the backfield and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as a primary receiving option.
Statistical Leaders
The Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 2,045 yards this season, while Travis Etienne Jr. has rushed for 547 yards. Brian Thomas leads in receiving with 765 yards and 6 touchdowns. For the Titans, Will Levis has 1,659 passing yards, Tony Pollard has 835 rushing yards, and Calvin Ridley has 679 receiving yards.
As the game approaches, fans and bettors alike will be eager to see which team can overcome their struggles and come out on top. With both teams desperate for a win, this matchup promises excitement and unpredictability.
