The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans in this Week 2 divisional matchup. Both teams come in off of victories in Week 1. With both looking to begin the season 2-0 and sit atop the AFC South Division. The Titans have won five out of the last six matchups over the last three seasons.
The Jaguars are opting for youth this season, as they are in rebuild mode after trading away many of their “big name” players over the past two seasons. Names that include Calais Campbell, Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, and last season’s big off-season acquisition Nick Foles. Many believe they were going to tank for Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, next season’s likely number one pick. But second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew has his own plans. After almost having a perfect game in Week 1, a 27-20 home win over the Indianapolis Colts and new quarterback Philip Rivers. Minshew went 19 for 20 for 173 passing yards and three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Undrafted rookie running back James Robinson put up 91 rushing yards on 23 carries. When the team waived Leonard Fournette as the season approached, many believed the Jacksonville ground game would be nonexistent, without featuring a household name.
The young receiving corps at Minshew’s disposal include DJ Chark, who scored a touchdown against the Colts. In addition to Chark, Minshew also has the likes of Kelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, who was inactive in Week 1, as he recovers from injury, and rookie Laviska Shenault, Jr. in his arsenal. Shenault impressed with 37 receiving yards and a TD on just three receptions in his NFL debut. The Jaguars’ virtually unknown defense can’t be underestimated, it intercepted Philip Rivers twice. Rookie C.J. Henderson had five tackles and three passes defended against the Colts.
Last year, Minshew threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns and zero picks in a 20-7 home win over Tennessee.
Tennessee meanwhile, despite kicker Stephen Gostkowski‘s woes, came away with a 16-14 road win over the Denver Broncos Monday night. Although he redeemed himself when it mattered most, by making the game-winning field goal, he still left 10 points off of the scoreboard. Ryan Tannehill passed for 249 yards and two touchdowns on 29-of-43 completions. Derrick Henry tallied 116 rushing yards on 31 carries. Corey Davis had maybe his best game in the NFL with 101 receiving yards on seven receptions.
Tennessee’s defense was not able to record a sack against the Broncos. While Minshew was taken down four times by the Colts’ defense.
Last season, Tannehill passed for two touchdowns and Henry scored two on the ground in a 42-20 home win over Jacksonville.
Game Info
Date: September 20, 2020
Start Time: 1:00 P.M. est
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Stadium: Nissan Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: Jaguars +8.5 | Titans -8.5
Moneyline: Jaguars +315 | Titans -415
Over/Under: Over 42.5 (-110) | Under 42.5 (-110)
I would take the Titans and the over. With this being a divisional matchup, Mike Vrabel‘s team will be looking to make a statement. With Gostkowski being anything but automatic, the Titans may decide against settling for field goal attempts. They should easily cover the 8.5 points.
Prediction
The Jaguars, like most teams, have not had an answer for stopping Derrick Henry. The King’s reign will continue in this week’s matchup as well. Minshew and the Jaguars will be playing catchup all game.
Final Score: Jaguars 20, Titans 31
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
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