Jaguars Experts Share Final Analysis on Thursday Night Football Matchup vs. Saints
The Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints will square off on Thursday Night Football in a Week 7 matchup that has major implications for both teams. The Jaguars are currently 3-3 and looking to keep pace in the AFC South, while the Saints are 2-4 and in desperate need of a win to stay alive in the NFC playoff race.
Jaguars Offense vs. Saints Defense
The Jaguars offense has been inconsistent this season, but they showed flashes of potential in their Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Trevor Lawrence threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns, and Travis Etienne rushed for 100 yards.
The Saints defense has been one of the best in the league this season, ranking first in points allowed per game and fourth in yards allowed per game. They are led by Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore.
Jaguars Defense vs. Saints Offense
The Jaguars defense has also been improved this season, ranking 10th in points allowed per game and 13th in yards allowed per game. They are led by Josh Allen, Devin Lloyd, and Travon Walker.
The Saints offense has been struggling this season, ranking 28th in points scored per game and 25th in yards gained per game. Jameis Winston has been inconsistent, and the team has been without running back Alvin Kamara for most of the season.
Key Matchups
- Trevor Lawrence vs. Marshon Lattimore: Lattimore is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and he will be tasked with covering Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Lawrence will need to find ways to get the ball to his receivers against Lattimore's tight coverage.
- Travis Etienne vs. Demario Davis: Davis is one of the best linebackers in the league, and he will be tasked with stopping Etienne in the run game. Etienne will need to be patient and find holes in the Saints defense.
- Jaguars pass rush vs. Saints offensive line: The Jaguars have a talented pass rush, led by Josh Allen and Travon Walker. The Saints offensive line has been struggling this season, and they will need to protect Jameis Winston from the Jaguars' pass rush.
Expert Analysis
ESPN NFL Analyst Matt Bowen:
"The Jaguars have a chance to win this game if they can protect Trevor Lawrence and give him time to throw the ball. The Saints defense is good, but they are not invincible. The Jaguars also need to run the ball effectively to keep the Saints defense honest.
The Saints need to get their offense going in this game. Jameis Winston needs to play turnover-free football, and the team needs to find a way to get Alvin Kamara more involved. The Saints also need to protect Winston from the Jaguars' pass rush.
I think this game will be close, but I am giving the Jaguars a slight edge because of their offense. Trevor Lawrence is a rising star, and he has a lot of talented weapons around him. The Jaguars defense is also improved, and they should be able to slow down the Saints offense."
CBS Sports NFL Analyst Bryant McFadden:
"The Jaguars have a tough task ahead of them on Thursday Night Football. The Saints defense is one of the best in the league, and they are going to make it difficult for Trevor Lawrence to throw the ball.
The Jaguars need to find a way to get their running game going in this game. Travis Etienne is a talented running back, but he has not been able to get much going this season. The Jaguars also need to protect Lawrence from the Saints' pass rush.
The Saints offense has been struggling this season, but they have a lot of talented players. Jameis Winston can make plays with his arm and his legs, and Alvin Kamara is one of the best running backs in the league.
I think this game will be close, but I am giving the Saints a slight edge because of their defense. The Saints defense is good enough to keep the Jaguars offense in check, and I think Jameis Winston will be able to make enough plays to lead the Saints to victory."
Prediction
Jaguars 24, Saints 21
The Jaguars are a slightly better team on paper, and I think they will be able to get the job done on Thursday Night Football. Trevor Lawrence is a rising star, and he has a lot of talented weapons around him. The Jaguars defense is also improved, and they should be able to slow down the Saints offense.
The Saints are a good team, and they have the potential to win any