Denard Robinson is filling in for T.J. Yeldon, and is a trendy fantasy start for Sunday. (Getty)
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They Jaguars may once again finish the season without a winning record, but a win over Atlanta could significantly increase their playoff chances.
Streaking Jacksonville is hosting slumping Atlanta, and the Jaguars have a chance to end Sunday with a share of the AFC South lead. After a 51-16 thumping of the Colts last week, Jacksonville is a three-point favorite heading into Sunday according to Oddsshark.com.
Last week against the Colts, Jacksonville saw all three phases of their team play at their best. Bortles tossed three scores without throwing an interception, and while the Colts had a decent day yardage-wise, the Jaguars defense forced them to go 0/3 in the red zone. On special teams, the Jaguars may have found a dangerous weapon in Rashad Greene. The former Florida State wideout has only returned 11 punts this season, but he’s averaging 20.9 yards per return this season.
These teams haven’t met since 2011, when Atlanta blew the Jaguars away, 41-14. Jacksonville turned it over four times that game, on their way to a 5-11 record in their first season with Blaine Gabbert at the helm. The clubs have reversed fortune since then, and now it might be the Jaguars turn to run up the score.
Atlanta is on a six-game losing streak, and the losses have gotten progressively worse. Matt Ryan has thrown seven interceptions in the last four games, and Atlanta was fully demoralized after last week’s loss to Carolina.
The point total for Sunday’s game is set at 49 points. The total has gone over in seven of Jacksonville’s last nine games, according to OddsShark.com.
While Atlanta may relish the role of playing spoiler, this game is a must-have for Jacksonville. The spread may show Atlanta has a chance, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Jags cruise to victory.
The OddsShark Computer is projecting a 31.1-16.6 Jaguars victory.
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