Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
Jaguars vs. Buccaneers December 24, 2023 – In an intriguing NFL Week 16 matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a solid 8-6 record, are set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are at an even 7-7. This game, a topic of much discussion on football free picksforums, will take place on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Raymond James Stadium. The matchup promises to be a critical one for both teams, with playoff implications on the line.
Jaguars vs. Buccaneers December 24, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 24, 2023, at 4:05 PM ET |
| Where: | Raymond James Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Trevor Lawrence QB vs. Baker Mayfield QB
Trevor Lawrence has taken a big step forward in his second NFL season. The former No. 1 overall pick has improved his completion percentage, yards per attempt and QB rating. Lawrence is playing with more confidence and limiting turnovers with 18 TDs compared to 10 interceptions. His strong connection with receiver Christian Kirk has powered the Jaguars offense all year. Lawrence’s mobility and improvisation skills also give Jacksonville’s attack more dimension.
Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield has given the Buccaneers a much-needed spark since taking over the starting job six weeks ago. His gunslinger mentality has produced 24 TDs and 8 picks on the year. Mayfield is averaging 286 pass yards per contest in his last five games, utilizing weapons like Mike Evans. He has five multi-TD performances over that stretch but lacks the elite physical traits of his early career. Still, Mayfield’s aggressive style gives Tampa Bay’s offense more juice. This passing duel features two ascending QBs.
Jaguars’ Offensive Power
Despite below-average rushing stats on the season, the Jags ground game has come alive recently. Lead back Travis Etienne Jr. has scored five TDs in his last five contests while surpassing 70 rush yards three times. His vision and explosiveness make Etienne a threat to rip off huge gains anytime he touches the ball. Christian Kirk is one of the NFL’s premier receivers with his superb route running and after-the-catch ability. His speed and separation skills have produced 199 yards and a TD over his last three contests.
Buccaneers’ Key Offensive Players
Rachaad White has been the Bucs’ lead back since Leonard Fournette landed on IR. While White lacks elite physical gifts, he runs hard between the tackles with good vision and balance. Mike Evans is Tom Brady’s favorite target, but the hulking wideout has formed a strong connection with Mayfield as well. Evans has found the end zone four times over his past five games. Even if shorthanded, this capable receiving corps should make plays.
NFL Betting Odds: Jacksonville Jaguars -137, Over/Under: 43.5
The Jaguars are slightly favored with a -2.5 spread at -118 and a moneyline of -137. The over/under is set at 43.5 points, indicating expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair.
Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Trends
Jacksonville are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
Jaguars are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
Jacksonville are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games against Tampa Bay.
Jacksonville are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games on the road.
Jaguars are 3-17 SU in their last 20 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Jacksonville’s last 6 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference South division.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
Tampa Bay are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games.
Tampa Bay are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games against Jacksonville.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games at home.
Tampa Bay are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Picks
Considering the trends and team dynamics, this matchup leans slightly towards the Jaguars, given their strong road performance and Lawrence’s growing command of the offense. However, the Buccaneers’ experienced quarterback play and offensive firepower cannot be underestimated.
For bettors on legal betting sites, the Jaguars might be the safer pick to cover the spread, given their recent form and strong road betting trends. The over on the total points seems promising, considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent trends.
Receiving Yards Prop: Jaguars 27, Buccaneers 24.
