It’s a must-win situation over at Raymond James Stadium in Week 5 of the 2015 NFL Regular Season. The Jacksonville Jaguars are on to a slow start, going 1-3 in their first four games. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by their first round overall draft pick are also in 1-3 hole to start off the season. Who gets the victory in this crucial game between two struggling teams?
Get some more of this week’s crucial divisional matchups. Check out the complete previews for the Browns vs. Ravens and Colts vs. Texans.
[sc:Football ]Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay
When: Sunday, October 11, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Jacksonville Jaguars (+3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3); total: 42.0 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Jacksonville Jaguars
It was a heart-breaking defeat for the Jacksonville Jaguars when kicker Jason Myers blew their chance of beating AFC South nemesis Indianapolis. Myers missed a 53-yarder with six seconds left, but got a second chance due to an Indianapolis timeout. He missed that one as well. Myers had another chance with 8:13 left in overtime, but his kick sailed wide left. The Colts took advantage of good field position to drive 53 yards for the game-winning field goal.
[sc:NFL240banner ]What make the defeat even more frustrating were the excellent games of Jacksonville’s key offensive players. Quarterback Blake Bortles went 28 of 50 for 298 yards and a touchdown. He had no interceptions and was sacked just once. Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon had 105 yards on 22 carries to lead Jacksonville’s rushing offense, while wide receiver Allen Hurns had a career-high 11 catches for 116 yards and a score.
The trio could once again have big numbers against one of the league’s leakiest defenses. Tampa Bay ranks fourth in the league, allowing 29.2 points per game. The Buccaneers have been particularly weak against the run, allowing 136.8 yards per game (30th in the league).
Tampa Bay has also been pretty vulnerable through the air, allowing the fourth-most passing touchdowns (eight). Bortles and his pair of big-play receivers in the aforementioned Hurns and Allen Robinson should be able to connect in the end zone.
The Jags would have plenty of success if they can put on a strong and consistent pass rush. Jacksonville has been pretty solid in their pass rush this season with nine through the first four games of the season. Defensive end Ryan Davis leads the Jags’ front seven with a team-high 2.5 sacks this season. Tampa Bay has allowed nine sacks this year.
Jacksonville is 3-1 ATS in its last four games on the road.
Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans may be growing impatient after suffering a 47-23 beatdown from the Carolina Panthers. They’ve seen their team lose 11 straight home games with 10 coming under second-year coach Lovie Smith.
Rookies had it rough for Tampa Bay. Kicker Kyle Brindza had a very tough day, missing two field goals and an extra point against Carolina. Meanwhile, first overall draft pick in quarterback Jameis Winston threw four costly interceptions; one was returned for a touchdown, while another set up an offensive touchdown for the Panthers. Winston was also sacked twice.
Don’t count out Winston though. He has a cannon for an arm. The rookie quarterback threw for a career-high 287 yards with 10 and six yard touchdown passes to Charles Sims and Vincent Jackson respectively. Winston should be able to show off his arm against a leaky Jacksonville pass defense which allows 278.5 yards passing per game.
The Buccaneers could draw some pressure away from their rookie quarterback by balancing their offense through running back Doug Martin. Tampa Bay’s lead back ran for 106 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown. That’s a solid 5.3 yards per carry. But the Jaguars have been tough to run against, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry.
Tampa Bay is 0-8 ATS in its last eight games against AFC South teams.
Writer’s Prediction
The Jags pile even more misery on the Buccaneers. A balanced offensive output gives Jacksonville the win and cover on the road. Create a betting account now and get all the best odds and lines for every football game on the docket.
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