Matchup Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) are set to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) in a crucial matchup this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EST on FOX. The odds from BetMGM favor the Jaguars by 3 points, with the team having a strong record of 4-3 against the spread compared to the Raiders’ 2-5. Historically, the Jaguars lead the series 6-5, and their last meeting saw the Raiders secure a 19-14 victory in Las Vegas on December 22, 2024.
Both teams had byes last week, giving them time to prepare for this high-stakes game. The Jaguars' offense is ranked 15th overall, with their rushing attack at 14th and passing game at 17th. Their defense ranks 21st overall, with a strong rush defense at 6th but a weaker pass defense at 27th.
On the other side, the Raiders' offense is ranked 30th overall, with both their rushing and passing attacks at 27th. Their defense is ranked 17th overall, showing strength in both rush and pass defense. The turnover differential is also in favor of the Jaguars, who have a +8, while the Raiders are at -5.
Key Players to Watch
For the Jaguars, running back Travis Etienne will be a key player to watch. After a season-low nine touches in a 35-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London, coach Liam Coen has indicated that the team needs to call more runs to keep defenses on their toes.
On the Raiders' side, tight end Brock Bowers is expected to make a significant impact. He is close to full recovery from a knee injury that has affected him since the start of the season. If he is ready to play, Bowers could put up big numbers, similar to his performance in the first game where he caught five passes for 103 yards against New England.
Key Matchup
One of the most critical matchups of the game will be the Raiders' defensive end Maxx Crosby against the Jaguars' offensive tackles Walker Little and Anton Harrison. Crosby, who ranks third in the NFL with 10 tackles for loss, including four sacks, faces a Jaguars offensive line that allowed a combined 14 sacks in its past two games.
Key Injuries
The Jaguars are dealing with several injuries, including WR/DB Travis Hunter (knee), who has been placed on injured reserve. LB Devin Lloyd (calf), the AFC defensive player of the month for September, is considered a long shot to play. S Eric Murray (neck) won't play, along with CB Jourdan Lewis (neck), LB Dennis Gardeck (chest), and WRs Dyami Brown (shoulder), Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder), and Tim Patrick (groin).
The Raiders have some players returning from injury, including Maxx Crosby (back) and DT Adam Butler (back). However, S Lonnie Johnson Jr. (fibula) and backup QB Aidan O'Connell (wrist) will not yet be activated off injured reserve.
Series Notes
The three most recent meetings between these teams were decided by no more than a touchdown. This is the third time in four years the teams will have played each other. They have met just 11 times in the regular season, which is tied for the second fewest among Raiders opponents with two other teams.
Stats and Highlights
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for a season-high 296 yards against the Rams. He has at least one TD pass in six of seven starts this season. Running back Travis Etienne has at least 50 yards from scrimmage in 10 consecutive games. WR Brian Thomas Jr. had nine catches for a career-high 132 yards and a TD last season against the Raiders. WR/DB Travis Hunter is expected to play considerably more on offense moving forward, partly because Thomas has nine drops and several more attempts in which he short-armed throws.
Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen needs two sacks to break the franchise record of 55 set by Tony Brackens in 2003. Crosby's 115 tackles for loss since his rookie season in 2019 are the most in the NFL. Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers has multiple receptions in 30 consecutive games. Bowers has caught at least two passes in his first 21 games, which ties the longest streak for a TE to open a career. Detroit’s Sam LaPorta set the record in 2023-24. Las Vegas S Jeremy Chinn needs one sack to become the eighth defensive back since 1982 with six consecutive seasons with at least one. The Raiders defensive line has broken up 12 passes, best in the league. Indianapolis and New Orleans are next with nine each.
Fantasy Tip
Travis Hunter could be emerging as the Jaguars' top receiver. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner produced his first 100-yard game just before the bye week, catching eight passes on 14 targets. Expect the Jaguars to continue going to him.