On Thursday night, after what has been a dismal set of Thursday night games (after the electric season opener where the Detroit Lions toppled the reigning champions, Kansas City Chiefs), the New Orleans Saints will host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Headlines the past few days have centered on whether star quarterback Trevor Lawrence will overcome his knee issues and play on Thursday night. Regardless of whether he does, this game will likely be a mediocre affair between two good-but-not-great-but-will-probably-win-their-respective-divisions teams. Basically, it’s another Thursday night – let’s get into the matchup.
The Key Matchups?
Despite numerous criticisms regarding Dennis Allen’s coaching nous, there is no doubt that that man knows defense. The New Orleans Saints have conceded a mere 16 points per game in 2023, good for the 6th best in the NFL, including posting the first shutout of a Bill Belichick team with their starting quarterback since the man became head coach of the New England Patriots over two decades ago. This ferocious defense, headlined by shockingly-still-actually-good defensive end Cameron Jordan, will have to face off against the high-firing Lawrence-led Jacksonville offense.
Jacksonville is a top 10 team in total points scored this year, averaging 23.7 per game, and is hot off a 3-game winning streak against the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts, all of whom are, at the very least, competitive teams. New stud receiver Calvin Ridley has combined with speedster Christian Kirk to generate almost 750 yards across the first 6 games. Travis Etienne has 4 touchdowns over the past two games, and Lawrence has begun to look more like the top 10 franchise quarterback we saw in the playoffs against the Chargers and the Chiefs after a shaky start to the season.
Watch out for a strong battle between former New Orleans’ star corner Marshon Lattimore and his former NFC South foe Calvin Ridley, the Saints’ recently returned n.1 running back, Alvin Kamara, versus the Jaguars stout run defense.
What Happened Last Time?
The New Orleans crept past the Jacksonville Jaguars in DUUUUVAAAL by 13 – 6 in 2019. Obviously, at that time, it was the Saints with a franchise quarterback and the Jaguars being headlined by the mighty Gardner Minshew. We could also be in for a repeat in the low-scoring game department, as this game has a miserly 39.5 line for game total, coupled with the fact that prime-time game unders over the past five seasons have hit at over a 60% clip. And if Lawrence, who is currently trending towards playing, ends up unable to perform in lieu of undrafted rookie Nathan Rourke, God help us as to the slugfest we may be in for.
My Prediction
So this game opened at the Jaguars -1 and quickly moved all the way up to the Saints -3 with uncertain news about whether Trevor Lawrence will start. With news looking optimistic, the line has settled to an equilibrium of Saints -1. I like the Saints in this spot, especially with the Jaguars coming off 3 big wins, looking far more unconvincing in the 37-20 defeat of the Colts than the one-sided scoreline would suggest. The Saints were unlucky to lose yesterday and, with a competent kicker, would have likely stolen a win. I took them at a pick, but I like them here too – Saints -1.
For Additional Content
Hello there. If you enjoyed this article (or, really, even if you didn’t). Please go and follow me on Twitter @danielarwas for more NFL bad takes, updates, and “special edition” previews.
Our Partners
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud to partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia, including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply.