The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans in a crucial AFC South matchup. Jacksonville comes in at 4-6 after losing to the AFC South leaders, the Colts, last week. The Titans come in off of their bye week at 5-5, a week after upsetting the Chiefs. Both teams are looking to keep pace with the Colts and Texans.
This is the second meeting of the season between these two teams. The first one went to the Jaguars, thanks to a nine-sack performance by the Jacksonville defense.
Two major differences this time around are, first of all, Marcus Mariota is no longer the starter for the Titans, as Ryan Tannehill has taken over that role, and second, Nick Foles is back for the Jaguars. Gardner Minshew was under center in the Week 3 matchup.
Here are some keys to winning this must-win game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Get to Tannehill early and often.
As they know from the first matchup, the offensive line for the Titans is vulnerable. They need to try to exploit that again this week.
- Get Fournette going
The Titans’ defense stopped the Jaguars running back in the backfield numerous times in the Week 3 matchup. However, he also broke a 60-yard run late in the game.
- Cover the tight ends
Since Ryan Tannehill has taken over, tight ends Jonnu Smith and Anthony Firkser have been a more featured part of the passing game for the Titans.
Tennessee Titans
- Keep giving the ball to Henry
Derrick Henry, coming off a 180-yard and two-touchdown game against the Chiefs, has run wild on the Jaguars’ defense before. Last December, Henry finished a game with 17 carries for 238 yards and four touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was a 99-yard run, complete with stiff arms on linebackers and defensive backs along the way. Marlon Mack had success and a few big runs against Jacksonville last week.
- Get to Foles
The Titans’ defense needs to get to Nick Foles and force him to make a mistake or two.
- No costly penalties for the offensive line, especially Lewan
The penalties have come at the most critical times against this bunch, nullifying touchdowns and big plays. Against the Jaguars’ front seven, it won’t be an easy task.
Game Info
Date: Nov. 24, 2019
Start time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Stadium: Nissan Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Titans -3
Over/Under: 37
The Titans are favored at home against the visiting Jaguars by three points.
Prediction
The Titans will stick with what works: Henry, Henry, and more Henry. I’m expecting 20 carries for close to 200 yards in this game, plus a pair of touchdowns. The defense will sack Foles a couple times and come away with a takeaway or two. Ryan Tannehill will make plays to keep the defense honest, throwing a pair of touchdowns along the way.
Final Score: Titans 31, Jaguars 17
