Detroit Lions vs Jacksonville Jaguars Preview

Don’t Expect Much Defense as Lions Visit Jaguars

The Detroit Lions head to Jacksonville in Week 6 coming off their bye week following a poor start to the season. The Lions (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS) have had multiple late-game collapses and have struggled to stop anyone on defense. The Jaguars (1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS) have not allowed fewer than 30 points since their Week 1 victory. We expect some points to be scored in this game.

Detroit Lions vs Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Date/Time: October 18, 1 p.m. ET
  • Stadium: TIAA Bank Stadium
  • TV Coverage: CBS
  • Sportsbook Odds: Lions -1.5 | O/U 52.5 (Line History)
  • Lions vs Jaguars Matchup Report

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The game opened with the Lions as favorites at -1.5 but the line has since risen to either -3 or -3.5 depending on the sportsbook. The total opened at a healthy 52.5 but has risen to 54.5 across the board, the second-highest total as of Monday.

Detroit News & Notes

Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense have not had trouble scoring this season. The Lions have scored more than 20 points in each of their four games and Stafford has been about league average in several passing categories, including QB Rating, touchdowns and yards per attempt.

Watch for Lions alpha receiver Kenny Golladay to have a big game against the butter-soft Jaguars defense. Golladay has played in only two games this season but scored a touchdown in each of them.

On defense, the Lions’ struggles have been primarily against the run. Detroit has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards in the league (despite playing only four games) and is allowing 5.2 yards per carry – third worst in the league.

Jacksonville News & Notes

Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew has been a pleasant surprise. The second-year signal-caller seemed destined for a placeholder role this year while the rebuilding Jags wait for their quarterback of the future. But Minshew has been efficient and effective, ranking 11th in the league in completion percentage and eighth in passing yards.

But in Week 6, look for the offense to run through rookie undrafted free-agent running back James Robinson. Robinson seized the starting job before the season even started and has been a bright spot for the team. He is 11th in the league in rushing with 333 yards and is averaging 4.6 yards per tote.

The Jags defense is the sore spot. Jacksonville has allowed the most yards per play (6.6), the fourth-most passing yards and the fifth-most rushing yards on the season.

Betting Pick: OVER 54.5

These are two bad teams with two bad defenses. Until either team proves capable of stopping an opposing offense, we are going to continue betting that they won’t.

Shark Bites
  • The Lions are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games.
  • The Lions are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road.
  • The Jaguars are 0-7 SU and ATS in their last 7 games vs the NFC.
DET is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games.away DET is 1-7 SU in its last 8 road games.away JAX is 0-7 SU and ATS in its last 7 vs the NFC.home
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