The Buffalo Bills will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 11, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positions, making it a highly anticipated clash.
Analyzing the betting landscape, the Bills enter as slight favorites with a spread of -1.5. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the projected spread is -1.2, indicating a closely contested game. The implied win probabilities suggest the Bills have a 50.6% chance of winning, while the Jaguars sit at 49.3%.
Quarterback Comparisons and Team Metrics
A pivotal aspect of the game will be the performance of the starting quarterbacks. Josh Allen of the Bills boasts a PFF grade of 87.4, while the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence follows closely with a grade of 84.7. Allen has shown strong efficiency, achieving a passer rating of 114.3 when kept clean, compared to Lawrence’s 101.9. Under pressure, Allen maintains a rating of 71.0, slightly better than Lawrence’s 66.4.
Looking at the overall power rankings, the Bills hold the third spot, while the Jaguars are ranked eighth. The Bills’ offense ranks third, with a 44.6% run play percentage and a 55.4% pass play percentage. In contrast, the Jaguars have a slightly higher average of offensive snaps at 69.2 and a 39.6% run play percentage.
Injury Reports and Betting Insights
Injuries will also play a significant role in determining the outcome. The Bills will be without defensive lineman Ed Oliver due to a leg injury, while several other players, including Jordan Poyer and Tremaine Johnson, are listed as questionable. For the Jaguars, key player Cole Van Lanen is also questionable, alongside others like J. Lewis and T. Hunter, both on injured reserve.
The betting insights reveal a split among bettors, with 38% backing the Bills and 62% favoring the Jaguars. The total is set at 51.5, with the PFF projection slightly lower at 50.7. This indicates a potential lean towards the under, as reflected by the cover probabilities of 57.6% for the under.
As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the stakes are high. Fans will be eager to see which team can capitalize on their strengths while navigating the challenges of injuries and performance under pressure. The Bills and Jaguars have the potential for a thrilling game, and all eyes will be on Jacksonville this Sunday.
