The Seattle Seahawks have long been one of the best teams in the NFL, and this year is no different. The Jacksonville Jaguars have long been one of the worst in the league, but this year has been a big change. Both of these teams fancy themselves title contenders and they will face off in a critical Week 14 matchup.
Both teams could really use a win. At 8-4, Seattle is one game behind the surprising Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West. The Jaguars have the same record and are tied with the Titans atop the NFC South but are behind because they lost an earlier head-to-head matchup.
Seattle is coming off an impressive upset of the Philadelphia Eagles and will aim to ride that momentum into this showdown. The Jaguars are slight favorites because they are playing at home but this is the type of game that could go either way.
This matchup in Week 14 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 4:25 p.m. ET at EverBank Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Seattle Seahawks +3
Jacksonville Jaguars -3
Over/Under 39.5
Odds Analysis
The Seahawks are bigger underdogs than most people thought they would be, and not surprisingly, nearly 80 percent of the action is on Seattle to cover this spread. It will be interesting to see if the line drops at all. If so, the Jags could be a good bet if a win by a field goal results in a cover.
The scoring total is low as both teams have strong defenses and offenses that can be inconsistent. The “under” is still the more popular choice, getting more than 61 percent of the action, as the betting public foresees a slugfest on the horizon.
Injury Report
Dion Jordan — Seattle’s defensive end missed last week’s game against the Eagles to do a neck and shoulder injury he suffered against the 49ers in Week 12. Jordan missed practice all of last week as well.
Chris Carson — The Seahawks’ running back is still expected to return this season, but it won’t be this week coach Pete Carroll said. Carson was placed on injured reserve back in early October with a leg injury.
Telvin Smith — The Jaguars’ linebacker missed Sunday’s game against the Colts due to a concussion.
Smith, who is the team’s leading tackle, remains in concussion protocol this week. He is a key part of the defense and would be a big loss.
Allen Hurns — The Jacksonville receiver injured his ankle in Week 10 and hasn’t played since then. His status for this game is in doubt. Marqise Lee and Dede Westbrook could again be the main pass-catchers.
Matchup To Watch
Seattle passing game vs. Jacksonville secondary -- The Seahawks’ offense is really reliant on quarterback Russell Wilson to make plays through the air. He is a mobile quarterback who can keep plays alive for several seconds, and the Jaguars have to be ready for that.
Luckily, they have one of the most talented cast of defensive backs in the NFL. Jalen Ramsey is only in his second season but has already ascended to superstar status as a shutdown cornerback. A.J. Bouye was a key offseason pickup.
Jacksonville has a strong pass-rush and rangy linebackers, so the throwing lanes are going to be narrower and the plays will be sped up for Wilson. If he doesn’t have a strong game, it will be tough for the Seahawks to win this one.
Wilson, though, has the rare ability to make something out of nothing and if he can come up with a few deep shots the Seahawks could pull the upset.
Free ATS Pick
Seattle is a popular pick to cover because everyone watched the team knock off the Eagles last time out. However, the Jaguars have the NFL’s best defense and are at home, which is a nice combination.
Go against the grain with this pick. The Jaguars should be able to shut down the Seattle offense and score enough on offense to come away with the victory. Take Jacksonville to cover the spread, while the “under” is the call on the scoring total.
NFL Odds: Jaguars 23, Seahawks 16
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