Bettors Fading Jaguars’ Offense in Wake of Lawrence’s Injury
NFL Week 14 Lines: Jags-Browns Total Plummets to 30.5
Injuries are a part of the NFL. But they continue to heavily impact the betting market, with the Jacksonville Jaguars the latest team dealing with the repercussions. Trevor Lawrence is now sidelined, dealing a significant blow to the Jaguars’ outlook.
How are betting lines affected? Let’s take a look at some of the more significant NFL Week 14 line movements.
Jaguars vs Browns 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: 37.5 Points
Current Total: 30.5 Points
Jacksonville will likely be forced to start C.J. Beathard at quarterback after Trevor Lawrence suffered a dreaded high-ankle sprain in Monday’s loss to Cincinnati. It’s brutal timing for the Jaguars, who had just extended their lead atop the AFC South. Their Super Bowl odds are now +2000.
But likely for Jacksonville, the Browns are having quarterback issues of their own. They’ve cycled through four different starters in 12 games. Most recently it was veteran Joe Flacco, who threw for 254 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception in Sunday’s 36-19 loss to the Rams.
In wake of Lawrence’s injury, the Over/Under for this NFL Week 14 line has plummeted from 37.5 to 30.5. It’s the second-lowest total on the slate, ahead of New England-Pittsburgh (30).
Colts vs Bengals 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: Bengals +2.5
Current Total: Bengals +1
Jake Browning quieted a few skeptics with his 354-yard performance in Monday’s upset 34-31 upset of first-place Jacksonville. The Bengals still aren’t going very far without Joe Burrow, but they’ll at least be respectable down the stretch if Browning can prove he’s not a one-hit wonder.
Bettors have reacted accordingly. This game opened with Indianapolis favored by 2.5 points, but that number’s since been whittled to 1.
Cincinnati is just 1-3 ATS over its last four games, but Browning, who completed 32 of 37 attempts in Jacksonville, now faces the NFL’s 26th-ranked defense. Bettors Fading Jaguars Offense in Wake of Lawrence’s Injury
Texans vs Jets 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: Texans -6
Current Total: Texans -3.5
The Texans opened as 6-point favorites and inched up to 6.5 by Monday. However, the Jets — who are planning to turn back to Zach Wilson at quarterback — have gotten more respect from bettors in recent days. As of Thursday, that number had been sliced to 3.5.
On the surface, it’s a tad surprising. The Jets are the third-lowest scoring team in the NFL (14.3 PPG) and have been poor ATS, with a record of 4-7-1. At this point, they’re more likely to be playing for the NFL Draft than an AFC playoff spot.
Still, based on this NFL Week 14 line, some aren’t convinced.
Buccaneers vs Falcons 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: Falcons -2.5
Current Total: Falcons -1
Tampa Bay got back on track in Week 13, edging Carolina 21-18 to move within a game of Atlanta atop the NFC South despite a 5-7 record. Meanwhile, the Falcons held off the Jets 13-8 to climb back to .500 at 6-6.
Unfortunately, somebody has to win this division. Atlanta’s favored at the moment, the only NFL team with better than plus odds at -175. But clearly, there’s not a ton of confidence in anyone to get the job done.
Atlanta beat Tampa Bay 16-13 earlier this season on a last-second field goal by Younghoe Koo. The rematch will likely be close as well.
Green Bay Packers vs New York Giants 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: Packers -5.5
Current Total: Packers -6.5
Winners of three straight, Green Bay (6-6) is now firmly back in the mix for the NFC playoffs. Jordan Love has keyed the Packers’ resurgence, with eight touchdown passes and no interceptions during that stretch.
The Giants, coming off a bye, will have their hands full. Given the movement here, a majority of bettors agree.
For NFL records, betting odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
