Las Vegas Raiders vs Jacksonville Jaguars Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

Las Vegas Raiders vs Jacksonville Jaguars December 22nd 2024

The Jaguars are favored on the road in their week 16 matchup against the Raiders. The game, set for 4:25 ET on Sunday, December 22nd at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is being televised on CBS. The Jaguars’ money line odds are -115, while the Raiders’ odds are -107. The Jaguars are -1 point favorites, and the over/under line is at 39.5 points.

Jacksonville vs. Las Vegas Key Information

Heading into week 16, the Jaguars sit 27th in our power rankings and have a 3-11 record, eliminating them from playoff contention. Jacksonville is 3-6 in conference play and 2-2 in the AFC South, putting them 3rd in the division. They are 2-5 at home and 1-6 on the road.

Jacksonville is 7-6-1 against the spread, including a 6-3-1 mark as underdogs. Their average scoring margin is -8.1 points per game. The over has hit in 8 of their 14 games, with an average of 45.7 points scored in their contests.

Jacksonville’s offense ranks 22nd in our power rankings, averaging 18.8 points per game, which is 23rd in the NFL. They are 24th in yards per game (306), with 204.4 passing yards per game (22nd) on 32.4 attempts per game. In the run game, they average 101.6 rushing yards per game (23rd) on 23.3 attempts per game. On 3rd down, they rank 25th with a 35.2% conversion rate and are 14th in red zone conversions, scoring on 27.3% of their trips.

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Mac Jones threw for 294 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 15, but he also had 2 interceptions. Brian Thomas Jr. led the team with 10 catches for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Travis Etienne Jr. had 65 rushing yards on 14 carries. Jacksonville scored in every quarter, with 9 points in the 4th, and converted 8 of 15 3rd downs and 2 of 4 red zone attempts.

In their 32-25 loss to the Jets, the Jaguars’ defense gave up 275 passing yards on just 16 completions. The Jaguars struggled to defend the big play, allowing 9.2 yards per attempt. They also gave up three passing touchdowns and allowed the Jets to convert on 40% of their third down attempts.

On the ground, the Jaguars allowed 125 rushing yards on 23 attempts, with a notable 5.4 yards per attempt. Despite this, they managed just one sack and allowed 125 yards rushing.

Heading into week 16, the Raiders are on a 10-game losing streak, dropping their record to 2-12. This run includes a 15-9 home loss to the Falcons in week 15. Las Vegas was a 6-point underdog in that game, resulting in a push against the spread. The O/U line was 44.5, and the teams combined for 24 points, marking the Raiders’ third straight under.

With their playoff chances now at 0%, the Raiders are 24th in our power rankings. They are 5-8-1 against the spread, including a 5-7-1 record as underdogs. Their average scoring margin is -9.4 points per game. Their O/U record is 8-6, with their games averaging 44.4 points compared to an average line of 41.6.

Heading into week 16, the Raiders rank 32nd in our offensive power rankings. They are 26th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 17.5 points per game, and 27th in yards per game with 299.1. Despite ranking 4th in pass attempts, they are 15th in passing yards per game (221.1). On the ground, they rank 28th in rushing attempts and 30th in rushing yards, averaging 78.1 per game. They are 28th in 3rd-down conversions, with a 33.9% success rate, but they rank 3rd in the league in red zone conversion percentage.

Las Vegas has struggled to score early in games, failing to score in the first quarter in each of their last three games. In week 15, they scored just 9 points, with 6 coming in the 4th quarter. Desmond Ridder threw for 208 yards, with 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown, while Jakobi Meyers led the team with 5 catches for 59 yards.

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In their 15-9 loss to the Falcons, the Raiders’ defense allowed just 93 passing yards on 11 completions. However, they struggled to stop the run, giving up 168 yards on 37 attempts (4.5 per attempt). The Raiders did manage three sacks and held the Falcons to a 30.8% third-down conversion rate. Despite this, they still allowed one passing touchdown and forced just one interception.

The Raiders’ defense limited Atlanta to 261 total yards, but the Falcons were able to control the game on the ground and come out with the win. Las Vegas also lost the QB hit and tackles for loss differentials in this one.

For this week 16 matchup between the Jaguars and Raiders, we have the Jaguars pulling off the upset by a score of 25-22. And with the Jaguars coming in as slight road favorites at -1, our pick vs. the spread is to take the Jaguars to cover.

As for the over/under, with the line sitting at 39.5 points, we like the over, with a projected combined score of 47 points.

Raiders and Jaguars Collide With Draft Implications on the Line

The Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars face off Sunday in a game that may have more implications for the 2025 NFL Draft than the playoffs. With both teams struggling through challenging seasons, the matchup serves as a spotlight for rising stars and players eager to prove their worth.

Raiders’ Offense Looks for Sparks Amid Tough Season

The Raiders (2-12) are stuck in a league-worst 10-game losing streak but may have their best chance in weeks to snag a win against the 3-11 Jaguars. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell is expected to return from a knee injury, providing a potential boost to an offense that managed just 249 yards in a 15-9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday. O’Connell will lean heavily on rookie tight end Brock Bowers, whose historic rookie season has been a rare bright spot.

Bowers, who leads all rookies in receptions with 90, is a matchup nightmare with his ability to separate from defenders and make plays in space. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce acknowledged O’Connell’s progress in practice, stating, “He’s trending upwards to play this week.”

However, the absence of All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby (foot surgery) will leave a significant void on the defensive line, putting more pressure on the Raiders’ offense to deliver.

Jaguars Turn to Mac Jones and Rising Stars

The Jaguars enter the matchup with two wins in their last three games but are operating without franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Backup quarterback Mac Jones has shown flashes of brilliance, throwing for 294 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 32-25 loss to the New York Jets. However, his two interceptions proved costly.

Jones has benefited from the emergence of rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who leads the team with 964 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Thomas is on pace to eclipse 1,000 yards this season, cementing his status as a rising star in Jacksonville’s offense. Tight end Brenton Strange, who had 11 catches last week, is questionable with an AC joint sprain, leaving the Jaguars thin at the position with Evan Engram already out for the season.

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson emphasized the importance of ending the season on a high note, stating, “Those are the guys you can build your team around.”

Draft Implications Loom Large

Both teams are firmly in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Raiders, tied with the Giants for the league’s worst record, haven’t held the top pick since 2007. The Jaguars, who selected Lawrence first overall in 2021, could secure the top spot for the third time in five years if their struggles continue.

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Brock Bowers vs. Jaguars Defense: The Raiders’ standout rookie tight end will test Jacksonville’s ability to cover dynamic playmakers. Bowers has the skill set to create mismatches against both linebackers and safeties.
• Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Raiders Secondary: Thomas has been a revelation for the Jaguars and will look to exploit a Raiders defense missing Crosby’s pass-rushing presence.
• Aidan O’Connell vs. Jaguars Front Seven: With O’Connell returning to action, his ability to manage the game and avoid costly mistakes will be critical.

Final Thoughts

While the playoffs are out of reach for both teams, Sunday’s game provides an opportunity for young players to shine and for coaches to evaluate talent heading into the offseason. The clash between the Raiders and Jaguars may not impact the postseason, but it will undoubtedly play a role in shaping their future.