Jaguars vs Lions Picks & Odds: Jags Seek Rare Road Win as Slim Favorites

The Detroit Lions (4-7 SU, 7-4 ATS) will be gunning for their fourth win in five outings when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7, 4-7) in NFL Week 13 action.

The Lions have been idle since seeing a three-game win streak halted with a 28-25 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day. However, the Lions have emerged as a reliable bet during a steady 4-0 run against the spread. The Jaguars travel to the Motor City after eking out a narrow 28-27 win over Baltimore last weekend, but they ride a three-game SU losing streak on the road into Sunday’s action.

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Jaguars vs Lions Sportsbook Odds

The Jaguars have held steady since Sportsbook as slim 1-point road favorites, while the total has climbed to 51.5 since Sportsbook at 49.5.

Sunday afternoon’s matchup at Ford Field marks the first meeting between these two long-suffering teams since 2020 and the Jags’ first visit to Detroit in six years. The Lions have topped the Jaguars in three straight clashes, capped by a decisive 34-16 victory when they visited North Florida two years ago.

With their victories coming by an average margin of 14 points, the Lions are also unbeaten ATS during their current 3-0 run in head-to-head action. And with the Jaguars averaging just 16.3 points per game over that stretch, the UNDER has paid out in each of their past two matchups.

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Lawrence Powering Jags’ Resurgence

The Jaguars were forced to overcome deficits on four occasions before sealing last weekend’s victory over the Ravens. With that win, the Jags have now won two of three, both on home turf, but have continued to struggle on the road. The squad has surrendered 30 points per game during their current three-game road slide, and despite their recent success, they still have managed to allow opponents to score an average of 25 points during their current 2-1 run.

One of the biggest difference-makers for this team has been Trevor Lawrence. The young quarterback impressed while leading the team to three scores in the fourth quarter of last week’s contest, and has now connected on six touchdown passes against no picks over his past three outings after mustering just two scoring tosses against two picks in his previous four contests.

The news hasn’t been so good for Travis Etienne Jr. The talented running back was forced out of last week’s game by a foot injury, and his status for Sunday remains uncertain despite head coach Doug Pederson’s insistence that he expects the 23-year-old to be ready. Etienne has steadily rounded into form as the season has progressed, running for four total scores and topping 100 rushing yards three times in four outings prior to last week’s contest.

Lions Defense Stepping Up

After Sportsbook the season a dismal 1-6, the Lions have shown signs of rousing from their early-season slumber during their current 3-1 run. Already established as a legitimate scoring threat while scoring 35 or more points three times during their season-Sportsbook swoon, the Lions have helped their cause with improved defense during their current surge, limiting opponents to 18 or fewer points twice over their past four games.

The Lions have benefited from improved performances from their defensive line, which has racked up eight sacks over the past three games. The secondary has also gotten the job done by tallying seven picks over the past four games.

Jamaal Williams has helped spark the team’s offensive resurgence. The 27-year-old running back found the end zone for a third straight week in last week’s narrow loss to Buffalo, and has run for seven scores over the past five games. Downfield, Amon-Ra St. Brown has settled down after an uneven start, averaging 106.3 receiving yards over the past three weeks, including his first scoring catch since Week 2 last weekend.

Jaguars: Keys To Victory

Trevor Lawrence’s continued development has inched this team closer to respectability. However, the Jaguars could certainly use better protection from his offensive line, which has allowed nine sacks over the past two games. This team must also find ways to bring urgency to their game right from the Sportsbook kickoff and cannot afford to be held off the scoreboard in the first quarter for a third straight game.

Lions: Keys To Victory

Continued steady production from the offense is obviously crucial to the Lions’ success. More important is continued responsible play without the ball. That means maintaining constant pressure on Lawrence and his often porous offensive line.

NFL Computer Pick: Lions +1

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