Week 8 in the NFL features an intriguing clash between the Green Bay Packers (5-2, 4-3 ATS) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5, 3-4 ATS). Their last encounter was in 2020 when Aaron Rodgers guided the Packers to a narrow 24-20 victory. Recently, Green Bay secured a tight 24-22 win over the Texans at home, failing to cover the spread as 3.5-point favorites. Conversely, Jacksonville emerged victorious in London last week, defeating the Patriots 32-16 as 6.5-point favorites. Currently, the Packers are favored by 4 points on the road. Fans can catch the game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, with kickoff set for 1:00 EST, airing regionally on FOX.
For reliable pro football selections, our NFL Betting Picks stand out.
Packers’ Resilience Amid Injuries
Head coach Matt Lafleur deserves recognition for his strategic finesse this season, particularly when starting quarterback Jordan Love faced injury. The Packers turned to Malik Willis, who stepped in and led the team to two wins in Weeks 2 and 3. This strong foundation allowed them to continue their success upon Love’s return, going 3-1 since then, with their only defeat against the unexpectedly strong Minnesota Vikings. In the recent game against the Texans, Love threw for 220 yards and three touchdowns but struggled with two interceptions, highlighting the team’s ongoing adjustments.
Love acknowledged his and his team’s errors post-game, stating, “It wasn’t perfect, definitely was not perfect. A lot of mistakes. But we found a way to win, and that’s what it’s all about.” He averages 270.2 passing yards per game, with a completion rate of 61.5% and a 15-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Comparisons are emerging between Love and legendary quarterback Brett Favre due to his willingness to take risks, though it has led to eight interceptions this season. His young receiving corps is led by Jayden Reed, who has 29 catches for 452 yards and three touchdowns, while Romeo Doubs contributes with 23 receptions for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Their top running back, Josh Jacobs, a former Raider, has accumulated 540 yards on 4.5 yards per carry, though he has only one rushing touchdown this year.
The Packers rank 7th in scoring, averaging 26.6 points per game, while their defense holds the 10th spot by allowing 20.4 points per game. Despite Love’s interceptions, they are 5th in turnover margin at plus six. Linebacker Quay Walker leads the team with 52 tackles, contributing to the squad’s 20 total sacks. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt stands out with three sacks, and the defense has recorded nine interceptions this season, with safety Xavier McKinney leading the league with five picks.
Injury Report:
Questionable: WR Jayden Reed, WR Christian Watson, C Josh Meyers, G Elgton Jenkins, DT Kenny Clark, DT Devonte Wyatt, LB Quay Walker, CB Jaire Alexander, CB Keisean Nixon
Jaguars’ Transatlantic Adventures
The Jacksonville Jaguars have found a unique identity as a London team in recent years, playing a total of 11 games overseas. They spent two weeks in London, facing the Bears and the Patriots. After a disappointing loss to Chicago, the Jaguars bounced back with a solid win against New England, alleviating some pressure on head coach Doug Pederson amidst speculation regarding his future. Running back Tank Bigsby emerged as a key player in the Patriots’ game, racking up 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite starting the game slowly and falling behind 10-0, the Jaguars displayed resilience, with Pederson expressing confidence in his team’s ability, saying, “This is what our team can do. We were down 10 but nobody was like, ‘here we go again,’ or defeated or had negative thoughts. It was just one play at a time.” Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, while not meeting the lofty expectations set upon entering the league, secured a substantial contract extension from the Jaguars. He averages 218.1 passing yards per game, with a 9-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a completion percentage of 62.1%. Though capable of mobility, Lawrence has not utilized this aspect much this season, averaging just 13.6 rushing yards per game. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. is questionable due to a hamstring injury, while Bigsby leads the team with 415 rushing yards. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., standing tall at 6’4″, leads the team with 30 catches for 513 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a standout player.
The Jaguars currently sit 22nd in scoring, averaging 20.7 points per game, while their defense ranks low at 30th, allowing 27.7 points per game. They are also struggling with a -4 turnover differential, placing them 27th in the league. Linebacker Devin Lloyd leads in tackles with 47, while former number one overall pick Travon Walker has contributed six sacks. Surprisingly, the Jaguars have managed only one interception through seven games, recorded by safety Andre Cisco.
Injury Report:
Questionable: RB Travis Etienne Jr., WR Gabe Davis, TE Evan Engram, DT Esezi Otomewo, DE Arik Armstead.
Betting Insights for Packers vs. Jaguars
Recent betting trends indicate a surge of support for Jacksonville. The line opened at 5.5 but has shifted to 4, with significant bets favoring the Jaguars following the injury report. While novice bettors often focus on the quarterback position, it’s worth noting that the Packers managed to win games even with Malik Willis at the helm during Love’s absence. Green Bay faces potential deficits in their lineup, with key players like two top receivers, two starting offensive linemen, two defensive tackles, their leading linebacker, and their top cornerback possibly sidelined. The Jaguars, despite their 2-5 record, are in a must-win situation, as consecutive losses could jeopardize their season. With Trevor Lawrence needing to minimize mistakes and a strong ground game led by Bigsby, the Jaguars appear poised to capitalize on the Packers’ vulnerabilities. Given the current trends, it would be wise to consider placing bets on Jacksonville before the line shifts further.
