Falcons vs Jaguars Odds: Jags Slight Favorites in London
The Jacksonville Jaguars hope to get things turned around at their home away from home in London. The Jags play Atlanta this week and will remain in London for next week’s game with the Buffalo Bills. The Falcons suffered their first loss of the season last week against Detroit. Jacksonville dropped its second straight game, being thumped by the Houston Texans 37-17 at home. The Falcons vs Jaguars odds have Jacksonville -3 (-120) with a total of 43.5. The Jags are -170 on the moneyline.
Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars 
Date & Time:
Location: Wembley Stadium, London, UK
Streaming: ESPN+
Line: Jacksonville -3 (-120)
Total: 43.5
Atlanta in Hunt for NFC South Title
The Atlanta Falcons are one of three teams tied for the NFC South lead with 2-1 records. New Orleans and Tampa Bay are the other two. The Falcons’ NFL stats aren’t overly impressive. But as long as they’re winning, it doesn’t really matter. The Falcons are No. 23 in scoring with 18.3 points per game. Atlanta has moved the ball on the ground, with its 128.3 rushing yards per game, No. 9 in the league. Atlanta averages just 155 passing yards per game, which is No. 29 in the league.
Defensively, the Falcons have played well. Atlanta is No. 8 in total defense and No. 7 in scoring defense, allowing 18.0 points per game. Atlanta allows 4.2 yards per rush, which is No. 15 in the NFL. The Falcons have been strong against the pass, allowing just 170 yards per game, which is No. 4 in the league.
Atlanta is 1-2 against the NFL betting lines and in totals. The Falcons defeated Green Bay 25-24 as 3-point favorites in the season’s second game.
Jaguars Off to Slow Start
Jacksonville was anointed the champion of the AFC South before the season began. But they have to take care of business on the field. That means not losing 37-17 to Houston as 7.5-point favorites. But the Jags are just one game behind the Colts in the standings, along with the other two teams in the division. Jacksonville is No. 16 in total offense and No. 21 in scoring offense, with 19 points per game. The Jaguars have gained 240.7 yards per game through the air, which is No. 9 in the league. The running game is a little below average at 98.3, which is No. 19.
Jacksonville’s defense hasn’t performed up to expectations in the early going. The Jags are allowing 348.3 yards per game, which is No. 19 in the league, and the team is No. 23 in defense, allowing 25 points per game. The Jaguars’ passing defense has been the primary culprit. Jacksonville allows 264.3 yards per game, which is No. 27 in the NFL.
The Jaguars are 1-2 against the spread and have gone 2-1 in totals, with the game against Kansas City the lone under for the season.
What to Expect
The Falcons are going to come out and run the ball. That’s what they’ve done best so far this season. Desmond Ridder isn’t going to win you many games with his passing ability. Atlanta doesn’t ask him to do a lot; so far, he has just one interception. He’s only thrown for two touchdowns, but he’s managed the game well on the field. That’s what the Falcons want to see.
The Jaguars are going to come out throwing. Trevor Lawrence has just three TD passes and two interceptions through the first three games. Jacksonville needs more from Lawrence since the running game isn’t all that impressive. But the Jags may run a little more since the NFL injury report today shows the Falcons placed linebacker Troy Anderson on the injured reserve list Tuesday. He’s third on the Falcons in tackles.
Who to Bet On?
This game will see a few more bets than it would if it was a 1 p.m. EST start. The Falcons vs Jaguars odds of Jacksonville -3 (-120) will probably induce a few more bets on the favorite. The Jaguars are a bit of a public team, as most NFL fans know Lawrence. They may not be familiar with Ridder. Based on what the teams have done this year, Atlanta would be the play. Based on what they did last year, the Jaguars would likely be the side to back. It’s a matter of how much weight bettors are placing on this year’s three games.
The Falcons vs Jaguars odds of 43.5 on the total sounds a bit low, but is probably justified in this spot. Jacksonville is capable of breaking out with a big offensive game. But so far, they haven’t done that. The Jags’ rushing defense is decent enough to force the Falcons to throw more than they like, which could lead to some big plays.
This isn’t an easy game from a handicapping perspective, but the under is the side that is still offering a little bit of value.
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