Chargers vs Jaguars Betting Preview: Visiting Chargers A Slight Favorite on Saturday Night
Surprising Jaguars Road Underdog in First Playoff Game Since 2017
Los Angeles Chargers With Yet Another Road Playoff Game
It might be hard to find a more captivating quarterback matchup this weekend than the one pitting Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers against Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars. It will be the first NFL playoff game for both of them so keep that in mind when looking at the Chargers vs Jaguars betting preview.
Something of interest in terms of the NFL playoff bracket, this is the fifth straight playoff game when the Chargers are the visiting team. However, they are favored in this one after being the road underdog in both postseason games in 2014 and 2019.
This is Jacksonville’s first playoff game since 2017 and it is an improbable one at that… considering that Jacksonville came into the season with an expected win total of six. The Jaguars have won their playoff opener in four of the last five postseason trips.
Game Information
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
Date, Time & Streaming:
Location: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville
Streaming: Live Stream Sports
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers know something about playing in tight games as they are 7-4 in one-possession contests and that comes into play in the Chargers vs Jaguars betting preview as the Chargers and the Cowboys are the only road teams to be favored in the wild-card games.
Herbert finished second only to Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady in passing attempts with running back Austin Ekeler fifth in the NFL with 107 receptions as he joins Larry Centers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Matt Forte and Christian McCaffrey as the only running backs with 100-catch seasons.
While many of the games have come down to the last possession or two, Herbert has better numbers in the first half than in the second.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne, pass catchers Evan Engram, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones all played key roles in the Jaguars’ surprising run to the AFC South Division title. However, it has been the defense that has been doing most of the heavy lifting down the stretch. That is being factored into the Chargers vs Jaguars betting preview.
Jacksonville has allowed two touchdowns over the last 14 quarters. The Jaguars have given up an average of 272 yards over the last three games as they head into the playoffs on a five-game winning streak.
One of the stars on defense is former Chargers safety Rayshawn Jenkins who is second on the team only behind NFL tackles leader Foye Oluokun with 116 tackles.
Injury Update
Receiver Mike Williams is questionable with a back injury for the Chargers while edge rusher Joey Bosa (groin), cornerback Bryce Callahan (groin), fullback Zander Horvath (ankle) are probable as are linebackers Kenneth Murray (neck) and Amen Ogbongbemiga (bicep).
One key aspect in the NFL injury report, the Chargers activated offensive tackle Rashawn Slater off injured reserve. He would provide a huge boost to the offense if he is able to return to the field.
Offensive lineman Brandon Scherff (abdominal) and receiver Jamal Agnew (shoulder) are questionable for the Jaguars.
Chargers vs Jaguars Head to Head
Trevor Lawrence threw touchdown passes to Zay Jones, Christian Kirk and Marvin Jones, while the defense forced two turnovers in a 38-10 Jacksonville win on Sept. 25th with the visiting Jaguars were listed as a 6.5-point underdog.
The Chargers had won eight of the previous nine NFL matchups with four of the last five games in the series decided by at least 10 points.
The Chargers are 4-1 in the last five games at Jacksonville. The most recent trip came in 2019 when the Chargers won 45-10 as a 3.5-point favorite.
Each of the last three games and six of the last seven finished over the total.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Preview
The line opened with the Chargers favored by a point and after moving to -2, it is now back at -1. Keep an eye on the availability of Chargers offensive stars Williams and Slater. If they are cleared to play, that could result in the line moving even more in favor of the visiting Chargers.
‘The Chargers have covered in seven of the nine road games this season while the Jaguars are just 4-4 against the spread at home this season.’
There are many NFL players in key roles making their playoff debuts so it will be worth watching if that becomes a factor.
Just two of Jacksonville’s eight home games went over the total. The total of 47.5 is the second highest of the six wild-card games and that is a nod to the two quarterbacks.
The Chargers are seventh in the NFL in passing defense, allowing 200.3 yards per game. Some of that is a result of the fact that Seattle is the only playoff team allowing more rushing yards per game than the 145.8 surrendered by Los Angeles. Among playoff teams, only Minnesota gives up more passing yards than Jacksonville.
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