In an intriguing clash of AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville this Sunday afternoon. Both teams are looking to regroup and build for next season. The Jaguars are reeling from a narrow 23-20 defeat at home against Houston last week, where they entered the game as a three-point underdog. Meanwhile, the Titans experienced a tough loss as well, falling 42-19 to Washington on the road, failing to cover the spread as a six-point underdog. Historically, the Titans lead the regular-season series 34-24, including a recent victory at home on January 7, 2024, where they won 28-20.
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Who will take home the victory in this matchup? Read on for the Jaguars vs. Titans prediction!
Jaguars Seek to End Losing Streak
Jacksonville is desperate to break a five-game losing streak after their recent loss to Houston. With a season record of 2-10, they find themselves at the bottom of the AFC South standings and out of playoff contention. In the game against Houston, the Jaguars never held a lead, with the first quarter ending in a scoreless tie. They were down 6-3 at halftime and managed to tie the game at six in the third quarter. However, they allowed 17 consecutive points, trailing 23-6 with over 12 minutes left in the game. Despite a late rally that brought them within three points, they couldn’t stop Houston, allowing them to run out the clock. Jacksonville outgained Houston 373-326 in total offense but lost the first down battle 20-19 and trailed in time of possession.
This season, Jacksonville ranks 25th in passing offense with an average of 196.4 yards per game and also sits 25th in rushing offense at 101.3 yards per game. They are 25th in scoring offense, averaging 19 points per game, while their defense allows 28.3 points, placing them 29th in the league. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 2,045 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while adding 119 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Backup Mac Jones has completed 57 of 92 passes for 512 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Key offensive players include running back Travis Etienne Jr., who has 371 rushing yards, and tight end Evan Engram, with 43 receptions for 332 yards. Kicker Cam Little has been reliable, converting all 19 extra point attempts and 17 of 19 field goals, including a long of 59 yards.
Adding to their struggles, the Jaguars have placed Lawrence on injured reserve due to a concussion sustained last Sunday. Other injuries include punter Logan Cooke and long snapper Ross Matiscik, both of whom missed practice, along with cornerback Tyson Campbell and linebacker Yasir Abdullah, who were limited in practice. Updates on player conditions will be crucial as game time approaches.
Titans Aim to Rebound at Home
The Titans were unable to capitalize on previous momentum from a win over Houston, suffering a heavy defeat against Washington last week. With a current record of 3-10, they rank third in the AFC South and are on the brink of playoff elimination. In their game against Washington, Tennessee fell behind early, trailing 21-0 by the end of the first quarter and 28-0 shortly into the second quarter. They managed to cut the deficit to 28-13 after three quarters but could not close the gap further. The Titans’ performance was marked by a significant disadvantage in total offense, where they were outgained 463-245, and they faced a tough time on third downs, converting only 12 while allowing 29.
This season, Tennessee ranks last in the league for passing offense with an average of 185.9 yards per game and is 20th in rushing offense, averaging 111.4 yards. They sit 28th in scoring, with 18.4 points per game, and 27th in scoring defense, allowing 27.7 points. Quarterback Will Levis has thrown for 1,659 yards, with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Tony Pollard leads the rushing attack with 835 yards on 192 carries. Notable receiving threats include Calvin Ridley, who has 43 receptions for 679 yards. Kicker Nick Folk has a perfect record this season on extra points and has made 19 of 20 field goals.
Injury concerns plague the Titans as well, with several key players, including linebackers James Williams and Kenneth Murray Jr., defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, and cornerback Roger McCreary, all missing practice. Updates on their status will be essential as the game approaches.
Best Bets for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans
