NFL Predictions: Jaguars vs. Falcons Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Tuesday, 13 December 2011 21:49

It’s time to preview Thursday’s NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) will head on the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons (8-5) in Thursday’s NFL game, and start time is slated for 8:20 PM ET.  The Jaguars vs. Falcons game will be broadcast live on the NFL Network channel and Atlanta is currently listed as an 11-point favorite with a total of 42.5 according to the betting odds currently up at Legends Sportsbook.

Atlanta is 4-2 on the year when playing at home in the Georgia Dome, while the Jaguars are a poor 1-5 when having  to travel to play somewhere other than Jacksonville.  The Jaguars have lost 3 of their last 4 but did defeat the Falcons 13-7 in Jacksonville in the last head-to-head meeting between these teams back in 2007.  Atlanta has won 6 of their last 8 games but has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 overall this season.

Jaguars’ Offense vs. Falcons’ Defense:

Jacksonville really doesn’t have much going on offensively this season, although their running game is slightly above average.  Quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s (1783 yards, 50.3%, 10 TD, 9 INT) inability to keep defenses honest has the Jaguars averaging just 14.8 points per game, although the rookie out of Missouri does seem to be picking it up recently.  Atlanta allows 20.5 points per game but they also are one of the better teams in the NFL at taking away the running game.  Without the rushing threat, I just don’t see the Jaguars putting up much on the scoreboard.

Falcons’ Offense vs. Jaguars’ Defense:

Atlanta hasn’t always looked in tip-top shape offensively this season, but they still have an excellent balance of the run and the pass which has them scoring 23.1 points per game.  Quarterback Matt Ryan (3474 yards, 60.3%, 23 TD, 12 INT) has made some mistakes this season but seems to be rounding into form recently.  Jacksonville’s defense has had their backs against the wall this year but they have actually played quite well in an effort to keep games close.  That being said, their statistics are a bit padded thanks to facing quite a few poor offenses.

Jaguars vs. Falcons Predictions:

Predictions in the Jaguars vs. Falcons game call for Jacksonville to struggle to move the ball.  If Atlanta can slow down the running game like I believe they’ll be able too, that will force Gabbert to carry more of a load.  That will, in turn, lead to some costly turnovers for the Jaguars.  Atlanta’s offense won’t have a field day against the Jaguars, but I believe they’ll have good field position throughout.  A defensive score or two from the Falcons won’t be a huge surprise, but their scoring potential might be held a bit in check when they get the early lead and can sit back and establish the rushing attack.  Atlanta wins this one easily and the best bet to make is to go with the under.

Bet on the Jaguars vs. Falcons game at Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus just for clicking our link to get started!

Jaguars 10

Falcons 24