Detroit edged out Jacksonville 13-12 last preseason, though they had home field advantage in that one.
The Jags will look to return the favor as they host the Lions with both teams sitting at 1-1 here in the preseason.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Jaguars are at home for this one, though they’re just 18-37-1 ATS in their last 56 home games. The Lions, on the other hand, are 1-5 ATS in their last six on the road.
One of these two teams will have to buck the trend and get the win ATS. Each won SU and ATS in the preseason opener before falling both SU and ATS in their latest game, winning at home and losing on the road.
Jacksonville currently sits as a slim 1-point favorite with the total set at 42.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Against the Giants in the second week of the preseason, the Jaguars failed to record a touchdown in the air or on the ground.
Second year quarterback Blake Bortles got the start and the bulk of the work, going 8-for-16 for 98 yards, but failed to lead to the team to any real meaningful drives.
Through two preseason games, Bortles has yet to throw a touchdown and is 19-for-31 though he does have 216 yards.
His back-up, Chad Henne, has actually been quite impressive. The veteran has a 100.2 passer rating and is 16-for-22 with 118 yards and a touchdown.
For the Lions, starter Matthew Stafford has only had 10 attempts this year, but is 8-for-10 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Backup Dan Orlovsky is 18-for-28 with 214 yards and three touchdowns.
COACHES' MOTIVATION With Bortles in his second season and some key offseason additions made, there’s hope that Jacksonville can finally put a more competitive team on the gridiron.
In Gus Bradley’s first two years at the helm, the team is just 7-25. A home win in the preseason opener was important for ticket sales, particularly having it happen over the Steelers.
The Jags are home again and would like to put on a good show for the hometown fans, particularly in Week 3 when starters traditionally see their most playing time, but with Julius Thomas out, the offense won’t be at full strength.
On the other side, Jim Caldwell led his team to a playoff berth in his first season last year, and will be more interested in seeing how his first team interacts with extended playing time together more than anything else.
QUOTE TO NOTE
After Sunday’s practice, Jim Caldwell was asked about the status of defensive end Jason Jones and tackle LeAdrian Waddle heading into Friday, he responded, saying:
“You know, we’ll see. We really just confer with the doctors and see where they are. Obviously coming back out and getting right in the thick of things, individual periods are a little bit different than pads on going to work…This is part of the progression.”
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The running game is still a bit up in the air in Detroit. Veteran Joique Bell is still seen by many as the starter with rookie back Zach Zenner saying as much a few days ago.
Bell’s been dealing with injuries and has yet to play in a game, opening up speculation that the job could go to someone else, particularly with his size adding to questions if he could handle every-down status.
In Bell’s absence, Ameer Abdullah and Zenner have been getting a lot of hype. The rookie backs have played quite well. Neither have rushed for a touchdown of yet, but Abdullah has recorded 8.2 yards per carry on nine carries and Zenner has 17 attempts for 77 yards.
INJURIES
Haloti Ngata is, obviously, a big part of the Lions defense, but the nose tackle is dealing with a hamstring issue. Tackle LaAdrian Waddle is also injured as he continues his recovery from a torn left ACL.
For the Jaguars, the biggest injury is tight end Julius Thomas. The former Bronco was the team’s big offseason acquisition, but will miss the rest of the preseason after fracturing his hand in the preseason opener.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Stafford and Orlovsky give Detroit the clear edge under center over Bortles and Henne. With running backs Abdullah and Zenner having success as well, that helps skew the offense even more in the Lions’ favor.
Overall, Detroit is just the better team with the statistical edge in nearly every facet of the game through two weeks of preseason ball.
Detroit 21, Jacksonville 13
The NFL odds for this Sunday game were first available at BookMaker sportsbook. The Jaguars were pegged as 1-point chalk while the total opened at 42.5. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the game. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem, BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet, click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The game between the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars is slated for Sunday, August 1, 2015, at 8 p.m. ET at EverBank Field.
