Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
An exciting NFL Sunday is on the horizon, featuring compelling matchups in Week 9. One of the highlights occurs at Lincoln Financial Field, where the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars take on the strong Philadelphia Eagles.
This marks the first meeting between these two teams since October 2, 2022, when the Eagles triumphed over the Jaguars 29-21 as 6.5-point favorites at home. This time, Philadelphia enters the game as 7.5-point favorites, prompting a detailed examination of the Jaguars vs. Eagles prediction.
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Jaguars Face Tough Challenges After Recent Defeat
Entering Week 9, the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves in a challenging position. Their playoff hopes are dwindling despite securing two wins in their last four games. Upcoming, they face a home game against Minnesota sandwiched between road trips to Philadelphia and Detroit before a bye in Week 12.
In their last outing, the Jaguars narrowly lost 30-27 to the Green Bay Packers. A last-second field goal by Brandon McManus sealed the game for Green Bay, while Jacksonville struggled defensively, allowing 170 rushing yards and 252 passing yards.
Coach Doug Pederson expressed concern, saying, “We can’t give the ball away like we did late in our own territory. Our tackling was not up to par. There are clear areas we need to address to get back on track.”
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence put in a strong performance, completing 21 of 32 passes for 308 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed for a touchdown, while Tank Bigsby contributed with 18 carries for 78 yards. Travis Etienne, who missed the last two games due to a hamstring issue, is listed as probable for this matchup.
Defensively, the Jaguars have struggled throughout the season. They have conceded 30 or more points in three of their last four games, allowing an average of 28.0 points per game, which ranks them tied for 29th in the NFL. In contrast, they are managing only 21.5 points per game, placing them 21st overall.
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Eagles Seek Fourth Consecutive Victory
The Philadelphia Eagles began the season with some uncertainty, holding a 2-2 record after four weeks. However, they have since rallied, winning three straight games. Following a bye in Week 5, Philadelphia has secured victories against the Cleveland Browns (20-16), New York Giants (28-3), and Cincinnati Bengals (37-17).
In their latest game, the Eagles showcased their dominance against the Bengals, outgaining them 397-280 in total yardage and winning the turnover battle 2-0. Defensively, they limited Cincinnati to just 58 rushing yards on 20 attempts, while their own rushing attack produced 161 yards on 39 carries.
“This team’s identity is rooted in physicality, and we plan to maintain that each week,” said coach Nick Sirianni. “Physicality doesn’t just mean running the ball; it applies to both our running and passing game.”
Quarterback Jalen Hurts was efficient in Week 8, completing 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown. He also showcased his rushing ability, scoring three touchdowns and adding 37 yards on ten carries. Saquon Barkley supported the run game with 22 carries for 108 yards.
The Eagles currently average 24.4 points per game, ranking them tied for 10th in the league. They excel in the rushing game, averaging 165.9 yards per game, which is second in the NFL. Defensively, they allow 18.9 points per game (7th) and rank in the top ten for both passing and rushing yards allowed.
Betting Insights for Jaguars vs. Eagles
Injuries are a significant concern for the Jaguars as they prepare for this matchup. While Travis Etienne may return, wide receiver Christian Kirk will miss the rest of the season due to a broken collarbone. Additionally, both starting guards, Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff, did not practice on Thursday, and Tank Bigsby and receiver Gabe Davis were limited in their participation.
Considering the Eagles’ recent performances, it seems likely that Jacksonville will have difficulty keeping pace. Even with the potential absence of key players like cornerback Darius Slay and tight end Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia has an abundance of offensive talent. The Eagles are expected to win by eight or more points.
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are both in good health and poised to make an impact. The Jaguars have allowed a troubling 17 receiving touchdowns this season, with their red-zone defense ranking 28th in the league.
