Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) vs. Buffalo Bills (2-0)
Here comes week 3 of the NFL season and the game that is expected to take center stage is that of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills who have been struggling to earn a win. The winless Jaguars are looking for the first victory of this season, but the task won’t be easy as they face the unstoppable Buffalo Bills, who have started quite well by employing an effective game plan coupled with brute force. This matchup guarantees a lot of fireworks, and the demand for NFL betting picks is justified as the Bills want to make it three out of three, while the Jaguars want to make amends.
The Jaguars’ offense hasn’t performed well in the first part of the season especially in running the ball and passing. Perhaps the most consistent member of the team has been running back Travis Etienne Jr., who has displayed his prowess in limited rushing attempts, getting an average of 3.8 yards per rush with 2 rushing touchdowns, hints at a possible explosion to come if only the offensive line holds up. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. shapes up as a deep threat target after only recording 141 yards on 6 receptions.
On the other hand, the Buffalo Bills particularly excel in their running game, thanks to James Cook. Cook has accumulated 149 rushing yards in just two matches, combining speed and vision perfectly. Therefore, his capacity to dodge tackles and make several yards out of a pass has been important for the Bills. Moreover, wide receiver Khalil Shakir has made good use of his opportunities, catching all eight of his targets for a total of 96 yards and providing quarterback Josh Allen with a dependable target in key moments.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills Game Info
| When: | Monday, September 23, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Highmark Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Trevor Lawrence QB vs. Josh Allen QB
Trevor Lawrence goes into this all-important game with a lot to deal with. Up to now, his numbers, which show an 82.3 passer rating, one touchdown and zero interceptions, tell more of a cautious approach, which is good but not what the Jaguars need in terms of scoring trends. With the Buffalo Bills looming large defensively, this will need to change, with Lawrence being able to perform well when it matters by delivering crucial passes to help Jacksonville win their first match of the season.
On the other hand, Josh Allen has played well in the Bills’ winning streak. Allen has been efficient to the level of a passer rating of 124.2, and despite throwing three touchdown passes, he has not been picked once. Allen is important for the Buffalo side, especially in terms of keeping their form as they seek to take advantage of the opportunities presented in the Jacksonville defense come week 3.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Buffalo Bills -190, Total Odds: 48.5
The current betting lines favor the Bills as -3.5 point favorites, which speaks volumes about their dominant start to the season and the challenges facing the Jaguars. The total set at 48.5 reflects expectations for a high-scoring game, likely driven by Buffalo’s aggressive offense and Jacksonville’s need to keep pace.
Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Trends
The Jaguars have not been rewarding for bettors, going 2-6 against the spread (ATS) in their last eight games. Furthermore, a 1-7 straight-up (SU) record in recent outings highlights their struggle to finish games. However, they have historically performed well against Buffalo, which could add an interesting layer to this week’s dynamics.
Buffalo Bills Betting Trends
Buffalo has been a bettor’s delight, especially at home, with a 5-1 SU record in their last six home games. The total has gone OVER in five of their last seven games, indicating their games tend to be high-scoring affairs, a trend that might continue against a defensively weak Jaguars team.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills 9/23/24 Betting Picks
Looking ahead to the game, the Bills are poised to exploit the Jaguars’ vulnerabilities, particularly on defense. Jacksonville will need a significantly improved performance to disrupt Buffalo’s rhythm. My final recommendation leans towards the Bills covering the spread, as they have both the momentum and home-field advantage. The total going over 48.5 seems plausible given both teams’ tendencies and offensive capabilities.
In conclusion, while the Bills are the safer bet, those looking for value might consider prop bets on individual player performances, such as Travis Etienne Jr. for an anytime touchdown. The top live betting website might offer dynamic odds mid-game, providing value as game conditions evolve.
