Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
As the clock winds down on October and Week 8 of the NFL season emerges, two formidable teams clash in a showdown that promises to electrify. The Jacksonville Jaguars, boasting a 5-2 record, will journey to the Steel City to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, currently standing at 4-2. With both teams aiming to solidify their postseason dreams, this contest shapes up to be one of the weekend’s must-watch matchups. As the anticipation builds, those searching for the top NFL free picks today should keep an eagle eye on this duel.
Jaguars’ offense has been dynamic this season, thanks largely to their young duo, Travis Etienne Jr. and Christian Kirk. Etienne, in just seven games, has amassed an impressive 504 rushing yards with a 4-yard per attempt average and has charged into the end zone 7 times. His explosiveness is complemented by Kirk’s precision in the receiving department. Kirk, with 474 receiving yards, has been Lawrence’s go-to wideout, especially on deeper routes given his average of 12.2 yards per reception.
Conversely, Pittsburgh has its own set of offensive stars. Running back Najee Harris has become the linchpin of the Steelers’ ground game. With 300 yards on 77 attempts and an average of 3.9 yards per rush, he’s proven his ability to navigate through defensive lines. In the aerial department, George Pickens has emerged as a reliable target. Amassing 500 yards over 6 games, Pickens has exhibited the prowess to make big plays, evident from his 18.5 yards per reception.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Game Info
| When: | Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Acrisure Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Trevor Lawrence QB vs. Kenny Pickett QB
Trevor Lawrence, the former first overall draft pick, is showing maturity beyond his years. With a completion percentage of 67.4 over seven games and throwing for 1643 yards, Lawrence has been making the right decisions. A passer rating of 92.8, combined with his 8 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions, showcases his evolving game-management skills. The sacks he’s taken indicate areas for improvement, particularly in pocket awareness.
Kenny Pickett, though not as prolific as Lawrence in terms of yardage, has been fairly consistent. He’s thrown for 1257 yards in 6 games with a completion rate of 60.9%. While his 5 touchdowns against 4 interceptions suggest there’s room for improvement in decision-making, it’s worth noting the pressure he’s faced, getting sacked 16 times.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Jacksonville Jaguars -128, Total Odds: 41.5
The close spread indicates the sportsbooks are expecting a nail-biter. Jacksonville, despite being the away team, is slightly favored. Bettors might lean towards the Jaguars given their recent form, but the Steelers’ home advantage could play a pivotal role. The total odds of 41.5 suggest a lower-scoring game, which might tilt in favor of defenses making crucial stops.
Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Trends
The Jaguars have been performing admirably against the spread, going 4-1 ATS in their recent 5 games. Their prowess on the road, reflected in their 7-0 ATS in the last 7 road games, indicates their comfort playing in hostile territories. However, their head-to-head against the Steelers, with a 2-5 straight-up record in the last 7, might be a cause for concern for Jaguars backers.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The Steelers have been a bettor’s delight lately, with an 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. While the total has often stayed UNDER in their recent matchups, their ATS record at home against Jacksonville, which stands at a dismal 1-5, might give bettors a pause before placing a wager.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 10/29/23 Betting Picks
Both teams come into this game with a lot to prove. While the Jaguars seem to have an edge in recent performances, the Steelers’ home advantage and their ability to perform under pressure cannot be ignored.
Considering both teams’ recent form and underlying betting trends, it’s a tight call. However, given the Steelers’ home record and their knack for turning up in crunch games, they might just edge this one.
Handicapper best expert picks suggest the Steelers will cover the spread, with a potential low-scoring game leaning towards the UNDER.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Jacksonville Jaguars 17
