Jaguars - Saints odds and predictions: Who is the favorite in the NFL Thursday Night game?

Thursday nights in the NFL mean prime-time showdowns under the bright lights. This week, the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars will take center stage, and various speculations about the outcome exist.

As we get closer to kickoff, the uncertainty surrounding this game has caused a lot of changes in betting markets. Just minutes ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars were listed at plus three, but now, they’re sitting at plus one. The main reason for this rollercoaster ride is the enigma of Trevor Lawrence’s status.

The young sensation, Trevor Lawrence, who’s been the talk of the town, is nursing an injury. The big question is whether he’ll play on Thursday night. But surprisingly, some experts believe it might not matter for your wager.

It might sound counterintuitive, but whether the Jags have their star QB or a backup doesn’t seem to be the deciding factor. If Lawrence plays, he’ll be far from 100%, and his performance could be affected by the added burden of a short week. On the other hand, if the backup steps in, he might not inspire much confidence either.

Jaguars - Saints odds and predictions

So, where does the smart money go? According to the prevailing wisdom, it’s on the under in this matchup. Why, you ask? The New Orleans Saints boast not just a good but an elite defense. Surprisingly, this defensive juggernaut hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves, but they don’t give up points easily.

On the other hand, the Jaguars have their own challenges, mainly on the offensive line. While they had an excellent offensive game last week, most of their success came from their opponents’ mistakes. It’s not like they consistently marched up and down the field this season. The offensive line is still a concern.

Even if Lawrence does play, he’s likely to be less than 100%, which is music to the ears of the Saints’ defensive unit. Derek Carr and the Saints’ offense, expected to light up scoreboards, have fallen short of expectations. Playmakers like Alvin Kamara and Chris Lively haven’t found their groove yet. Special teams issues with the field goal kicker further compound the Saints’ offensive woes.

Now, let’s talk about the Jaguars. If there’s a silver lining for them, it’s their defense, particularly the defensive front. This could spell trouble for a Saints offensive line already dealing with injuries.

Both teams are showcasing their defensive prowess this season, with a penchant for tight, low-scoring affairs. Explosive plays are in short supply, and field goals, not touchdowns, seem to be the order of the day.

As for the total score, it’s still a mystery. If Lawrence plays, expect a total in the 40 to 41 range. If he doesn’t, it could drop to around 38.5 to 39. In either scenario, anticipate a low-scoring affair on Thursday night. With two rock-solid defenses, the stage is set for a game likely to stay well below the total.

So, buckle up for Thursday Night Football, where the defenses are expected to shine, and the points may be at a premium.