Ravens vs Jaguars matchup preview and current betting lines
The Baltimore Ravens continue to be a strong contender out of the AFC North. Even despite some miscues early in the season and some blown leads, they continue to be the most consistent team in the division, and the conference is now wide open.
That’s why Lamar Jackson and company cannot afford any more setbacks, especially against beatable teams. They need to make a statement late in the campaign by shutting them down with their stout defense and ability to control the pace of the game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars sure look much better than during Urban Meyer’s infamous tenure in charge of the team. However, it’s not like the bar was set that high. Even so, their offense has improved, their defense seems better, and they’re finally heading in the right direction.
Nonetheless, most of their team’s success will hinge on whether Trevor Lawrence will step up after showing some glimpses of greatness in his first two years in the league. Notably, beating the Ravens could sure build some momentum for them.
Players to watch:
Lamar Jackson: Lamar Jackson wants to get paid, and he’s proved this season that he’s one of the best in the game. Kyler Murray’s deal only raises the bar higher for the Ravens’ star, who’s been on a mission all season long.
Trevor Lawrence: Trevor Lawrence continues to show glimpses of greatness. However, his lack of consistent play has raised questions about whether he’s actually as good as we all thought he was after dominating at Clemson.
Week 12 Predictions: NFL Bet of the week on Ravens vs Jaguars
Ravens -4
The opening Ravens vs Jaguars spread have the visitors as four-point favorites ahead of this matchup. That’s not far-fetched to think at all, considering they have a whopping +49 point differential this season and are 4-1-0 away from their premises.
Ironically, Harbaugh’s team has fared better on the road than at home, and they’re currently riding a four-game winning streak, including wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. Simply put, they’re one of the teams to beat in the AFC.
The Jaguars, on the other hand, haven’t been able to close out games or make the most of their improvements this season. They sit on a 3-7 record despite a +11 point differential, losing six of their past seven games after a 2-1 start to the season.
Doug Pederson’s team gets off to strong starts but takes its foot off the gas in the final two-quarters of every game. So, even though they’re coming off a bye week and had plenty of time to plan for this game, they’re not likely to get the cover.
Under 43.5
The opening Ravens vs Jaguars odds have this projected game total sitting at just 43.5 points. That makes perfect sense, as the Jaguars have scored just 17 points in three out of their past four games and haven’t been a prominent scoring team outside of a 38-point explosion vs. the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.
Also, even though Lamar Jackson can put up points against the best defenses on Earth, it’s not a secret that the Baltimore Ravens take a run-heavy approach in the offense, so the clock will stay running during their long drives.
The Ravens average 24.8 points per game but struggled to put up more than 13 vs. the Carolina Panthers, so the Jaguars will sure take a page off their books and replicate that formula to try and contain their running attack.
Also, the Jaguars’ offense has looked much better when they feed Travis Etienne Jr. rather than trusting Trevor Lawrence to lead the way. So, we wouldn’t be shocked if there were less than five total touchdowns in this game.
FAQs about Ravens vs Jaguars
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No, but they both play in the AFC.
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