As the NFL season winds down, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for a showdown between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both teams, with identical records of 3-12, are looking to salvage some pride in what has been a challenging season. Let’s dive into the details of this intriguing matchup.
Game Overview
Game Time: 1:00 pm ET, Sunday, December 29, 2024
Venue: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Where to Watch: CBS
This game promises to be a battle of the underdogs, as both teams are struggling to find their footing in the AFC South. The Titans and Jaguars are tied for the bottom spot in their division, making this game crucial for both teams to end the season on a high note.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The betting lines are tight, with the Jaguars favored by just 1 point across major sportsbooks:
- DraftKings: Titans +1, Jaguars -1; Over/Under: 39.5 points
- Bet365: Titans +1, Jaguars -1; Over/Under: 39.5 points
- BetMGM: Titans +1, Jaguars -1; Over/Under: 39.5 points
With such close odds, bettors are in for a nail-biting contest. Will the Jaguars cover the spread, or will the Titans pull off an upset?
Season Record
Both teams enter this clash with disappointing records:
- Tennessee Titans: 3-12 (4th place, AFC South)
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-12 (3rd place, AFC South)
Despite their struggles, both teams have shown flashes of potential, and this game could serve as a springboard for future success.
Recent Form
The Titans are coming off a tough road loss to the Indianapolis Colts, falling 38-30. Mason Rudolph led the offense with 252 passing yards, but turnovers proved costly. Meanwhile, the Jaguars also suffered a road defeat, losing 19-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Mac Jones showed promise with 247 passing yards, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars Preview and Analysis
The Titans have faced numerous challenges this season, particularly at the quarterback position. Whether it’s Will Levis or Mason Rudolph under center, turnovers have plagued the team. Despite these struggles, the Titans have shown moments of competence, making them a wildcard in this matchup.
On the other hand, the Jaguars have been hampered by injuries but are beginning to find their rhythm. Mac Jones has been improving, and the team is showing more fight in recent games. Playing at home could give them the edge they need to secure a victory.
Titans vs Jaguars Prediction
The Jaguars are slight favorites, and for good reason. Despite their poor record, they have shown resilience and a fighting spirit. Mac Jones is eager to prove himself, and this game offers the perfect opportunity. The Titans, while capable of surprises, have been inconsistent. Our prediction: Jaguars 17, Titans 6.
NFL Betting Trends
Both teams have notable betting trends:
- Tennessee Titans: 18-29 ATS in all games, 6-0 UNDER when playing against a terrible team (Win Pct. <=25%).
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-1 ATS vs. poor teams, 9-3 UNDER off a road loss.
These trends suggest a low-scoring affair, with the UNDER being a popular choice among bettors.
Key Injuries
Injuries have been a significant factor for both teams:
- Tennessee Titans: B. Oliver (WR) – Knee, C. Dowell (WR) – Knee, L. Gifford (LB) – Concussion, among others.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: W. Little (OL) – Ankle, V. Miller (LB) – Ankle, D. Savage (SAF) – Concussion, and more.
These injuries could impact team performance, making depth and adaptability crucial.
Notable Quotes
After recent losses, both coaches expressed their frustrations:
– “The speed of Jonathan Taylor showed up and we couldn’t get him on the ground. He had a couple of explosive runs, and sometimes that’s all it takes.” – Brian Callahan, Titans Head Coach.
– “It’s the most frustrating thing that I’ve ever seen or been a part of. Obviously, it’s something that’s been holding us back all year. Gosh, at some point you would think that enough would be enough. We’d learn from it. Move on. But it seems to be plaguing us each week.” – Doug Pederson, Jaguars Head Coach.
Starting Lineups
Tennessee Titans:
– WR: Ridley, Calvin
– WR: Westbrook-Ikhine, Nick
– WR: Boyd, Tyler
– TE: Okonkwo, Chig
– QB: Rudolph, Mason
– RB: Pollard, Tony
Jacksonville Jaguars:
– WR: Thomas Jr., Brian
– WR: Reynolds, Josh
– WR: Washington, Parker
– TE: Strange, Brenton
– QB: Jones, Mac
– RB: Etienne Jr., Travis
As the Titans and Jaguars prepare to face off, fans and bettors can expect an intense battle. Both teams have something to prove, and this game could be a turning point for either franchise. With expert analysis and betting insights, this matchup is set to be a thrilling encounter.
