The Jacksonville Jaguars face a daunting challenge as they aim to secure their first victory of the 2024 season on Monday Night Football.
The 0-2 Jaguars will travel to Buffalo to clash with the 2-0 Bills, who are riding high after a dominant win over Miami, 31-10, to kick off Week 2. With three extra days of rest, the Bills are poised for their first 3-0 start since 2020.
TAXES AND TRENDS
The Bills are the consensus 5.5-point favorite. This includes BetRivers, where they’ve garnered support with 69% of all spread line bets and 59% of the money. Buffalo’s -265 moneyline is even more popular, drawing 86% of bets and 80% of the money.
The crowd anticipates a high-scoring affair, with an Over/Under set at 45.5 points. The Over has received substantial backing, with 81% of the money.
PROP SELECTION
James Cook Anytime TD (-105): This bet has captivated sportsbook bettors, accounting for 2.5% of all wagered money at BetRivers. Cook’s performance this season is notable, boasting three touchdowns—all during the Week 2 rout of Miami. This is especially impressive considering he didn’t find the end zone in the final six games of last season, including three playoff matches.
KEY STATISTICS
THE NEWS
The clash of the two Josh Allens will have a different dynamic this season.
This time, only one Josh Allen will be on the field when the Buffalo Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night in Orchard Park, New York.
Buffalo’s star quarterback retains his name, but Jacksonville’s formidable defensive back now goes by Josh Hines-Allen, honoring his mother’s side of the family.
Rest assured, Buffalo’s Allen remains unfazed by this identity shift as the Bills aim to start 3-0 for the first time since 2020. He knows exactly whom to target.
“Anytime you get a finish like that, you have problems,” Allen acknowledged Thursday about Hines-Allen, who had a career-high 17.5 sacks last season. “The engine he has doesn’t stop. He’s always finding ways to get to the quarterback."
“He’s one of the best defenders in the league, and we need to keep an eye on him at all times.”
Jacksonville stunned Buffalo 9-6 in 2021, with Hines-Allen wreaking havoc on his former namesake by recording an interception, a fumble recovery, and a sack.
Hines-Allen is 2-0 in head-to-head matches against Allen, with the Jaguars also securing a 25-20 victory over the Bills last season in London.
However, the 2024 season sees these teams treading divergent paths. Allen has thrown three touchdown passes on just 42 throws, with the Bills ranking third in the NFL in scoring offense at 32.5 points per game.
The Bills’ offense has been thriving despite an offseason trade of receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Further losses include center Mitch Morse and wide receiver Gabe Davis, who now play for the Jaguars.
"They’re two guys I’ve spent a lot of time with over the years," Allen commented. "More than just football associates, they’re great friends. … Winning in this league is tough, and they’ve been integral parts of that over the last few years."
The Jaguars are desperately trying to avoid their first 0-3 season since their dismal start under Urban Meyer in 2021. Their sputtering offense is currently ranked 27th in scoring, averaging a mere 15 points per game.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who received a five-year, $275 million contract extension this offseason, has faltered this year, completing just 51 percent of his throws. He completed a disappointing 14 of 30 passes, with four sacks, during Sunday’s 18-13 home loss to the Cleveland Browns.
"We can’t panic, but serious conversations are needed," admitted Lawrence. "We have a team too good to perform like this two weeks back-to-back. These games are precious, and we can’t reclaim them. Being 0-2 to start the year is a dire situation, so it’s better to address this swiftly."
INJURY REPORT
Allen (left hand) fully participated in Thursday’s practice. The only Bills on the sideline were linebacker Terrel Bernard (chest) and cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm), both out for the game.
For the Jaguars, tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) did not practice Thursday after sustaining his injury during pre-game warmups against Cleveland.
THEY SAID IT
"We’re down 0-2 right now, everybody’s going to count us out," said Hines-Allen. "Playing a good team that’s 2-0, we came in with our backs against the wall and came out fighting. I’m excited about that, and not playing in the cold."
FORECAST
While the Jaguars managed to beat the Bills 25-20 last season, it was on home turf and during a more consistent period for Jacksonville. With Cleveland and Miami each securing just one win this season—both against the Jaguars—the team has managed to score only 30 points across two games. Buffalo faces a tough schedule ahead, with games against Baltimore, Houston, and the New York Jets, making this home game critical to keeping pace with the AFC elite. Can the Bills cover the spread? Bills 27, Jaguars 20.
