NFL Predictions: Chargers vs. Jaguars Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 05 December 2011 18:48

It’s time to make predictions as we preview the Monday Night Football game between the Chargers and the Jaguars.

The San Diego Chargers (4-7) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8) have both had disappointing seasons so far, but one of them will add a victory onto their yearly tally in this Monday Night Football clash.  Start time of the Chargers vs. Jaguars game is set for 8:30 PM ET and the clash will be shown live on the ESPN channel.  We’ll preview both squads and see if we can’t figure out winning predictions on the final score.

San Diego and Jacksonville last met up in 2010 when the Chargers won 38-13 at home as 7-point favorites.  The home team has won all 4 head-to-head meetings between these teams since 2003, and the home team has also covered the point spread in every single clash.  5Dimes Sportsbook has the Chargers vs. Jaguars odds showing San Diego as a 3-point favorite with a total of 39.5.  None of the 4 recent games played between San Diego and Jacksonville have gone under the total.

Chargers’ Offense vs. Jaguars’ Defense:

San Diego still has the ability to put up a ton of points, but they have been far too inconsistent this season.  The Chargers are averaging 22.6 points per game while passing the ball well once again, but their defense has to take some of the blame for the reduction in offensive output.  San Diego has had to deal with longer fields this year because their defense isn’t helping out much.  The Chargers will be going up against a Jacksonville defense that has been very strong statistically.  The Jaguars allow 18.2 points per game and haven’t given up over 24 points in the 3 games they’ve been outgained by 100 or more passing yards this season.

Jaguars’ Offense vs. Chargers’ Defense:

Jacksonville simply doesn’t have much on offense, and they enter this Monday Night Football game averaging just 12.5 points per game while passing for only 131.3 yards each time out.  The running game for the Jaguars has been strong, but they simply don’t have the passing attack to complement it properly.  Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert (1371 yards, 48.5%, 6 TD, 6 INT) has been inaccurate, and he simply isn’t keeping defenses honest.  The Chargers haven’t played well defensively this season, and I could see the Jaguars running the ball successfully here.  Unfortunately for Jacksonville, that is no guarantee they’ll be able to score a ton of points.

Chargers vs. Jaguars Predictions:

Although I usually like teams that run the ball and play defense well, I just don’t think the Jaguars have much of a chance here.  They’ll have to shut down the Chargers’ offense and it doesn’t look like that is a realistic outcome.  Look for San Diego to get a lead before halftime, and for the Jaguars to be unable to come back after getting behind.  They’ll turn the ball over in a comeback effort and that could lead to even more points for the Chargers.

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Chargers 24

Jaguars 16