The Buffalo Bills are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a crucial NFL matchup on January 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, and will be broadcast live on CBS. This encounter is pivotal for both teams as they aim to secure a favorable position in the playoff race.
As the Bills and Jaguars prepare for this showdown, a closer look at their performance metrics reveals intriguing insights. The Bills currently rank third overall in the league, while the Jaguars sit in eighth place. Buffalo boasts a strong offense, ranked third, contrasting with Jacksonville’s twelfth-ranked attack. On the defensive side, the Jaguars excel, holding the fourth spot, with the Bills in thirteenth.
Quarterback Comparison and Team Dynamics
The matchup features two notable quarterbacks: Josh Allen for the Bills and Trevor Lawrence for the Jaguars. Allen has recorded a PFF grade of 87.4, showcasing his impressive ability under pressure with a passer rating of 114.3 when clean. In contrast, Lawrence has a PFF grade of 84.7 and a passer rating of 101.9 under similar conditions. Both players have demonstrated their capacity for making impactful plays, with Allen achieving a big-time throw percentage of 3.93% compared to Lawrence’s 4.22%.
In terms of team strategies, the Bills have maintained an average of 67.1 offensive snaps per game, with a balanced approach of 55.4% passing plays and 44.6% rushing plays. The Jaguars, slightly more aggressive, average 69.2 offensive snaps, with a heavier reliance on passing at 60.4%.
A look at the injury reports reveals challenges for both teams. Key injuries for the Bills include defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who is on injured reserve, and safety Jordan Poyer, listed as questionable. The Jaguars face their own hurdles, with tackle Colin Van Lanen and guard Patrick Mekari both listed as questionable as well.
Betting Insights and Projections
Betting markets have set the spread at Bills -1.5 and Jaguars +1.5, reflecting a competitive matchup. According to PFF projections, the Bills are slightly favored with an implied cover probability of 49.8%, while the Jaguars hold a narrow edge at 50.2%. The moneyline odds favor the Bills at -120, indicating a 50.6% implied win probability compared to the Jaguars’ +100, which suggests a 49.3% chance of victory.
Total points for the game are set at 51.5, with projections suggesting a potential under, given PFF’s projection of 50.7 total points. The betting insights indicate a diverse split in public betting, with 57% of bets placed on the Bills and 43% on the Jaguars in moneyline wagering.
As both teams look to capitalize on their respective strengths, fans can expect an intense and entertaining battle on the field, underscoring the significance of every play in this playoff chase.
