Raiders-Jaguars preview: Odds, players to watch and prediction
The Raiders’ game against the Jaguars on Sunday, which may not seem like a high-stakes matchup on the surface, features two teams with plenty on the line.
The Raiders (2-12) have lost 10 straight games. They’d like to get a win to start building some positive vibes before the offseason, but they’re also in the mix to secure the top pick in the draft.
Jacksonville (3-11) is right there as well after dropping six of its last seven games.
Game information
■ Who: Jaguars at Raiders
■ When: 1:25 p.m. Sunday
■ Where: Allegiant Stadium
■ TV: CBS (Andrew Catalon, play-by-play; Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty, analysts)
■ Radio: KRLV-AM (920), KOMP-FM (92.3) (Jason Horowitz, play-by-play; Lincoln Kennedy, analyst)
■ Line: Raiders -1, total 40½
Series history
The Jaguars hold a 6-4 advantage in the all-time series, which dates back to 1996.
The most interesting game between the two teams happened Dec. 15, 2019, in the Raiders’ final game at the Oakland Coliseum.
They held a 16-6 lead at home before then-Jacksonville quarterback Gardner Minshew threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Chris Conley in the final six minutes. That sent Oakland fans home angry and disappointed after a 20-16 loss.
Last meeting
Nov. 6, 2022 — The Jaguars outscored the Raiders 17-0 in the second half to rally for a 27-20 win in Jacksonville.
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. ran for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. His 4-yard rushing touchdown four seconds into the fourth quarter gave the Jaguars their first lead of the day.
Wide receiver Davante Adams had 10 catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders, who let a 17-0 lead slip away.
Bold predictions
1. Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell will throw more than two touchdown passes for just the second time in his career. He threw four against the Chargers last season on Dec. 14, 2023.
2. Both teams will record at least three sacks and force at least two turnovers.
3. Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange will record his first touchdown reception since Oct. 6.
Storyline
Getting the top pick in the draft should be the Raiders’ goal.
But the team has remained competitive despite its results. Several of its games during this losing streak have come down to the wire. The Raiders are probably playing better than the Jaguars at this point.
Yes, it would be in the organization’s best interest to lose out.
Players and coaches have jobs on the line, however, and aren’t going to stop fighting.
Jacksonville is also in the mix for the top pick. Don’t let anyone tell you this game doesn’t matter.
When the Raiders have the ball
O’Connell will likely return Sunday after missing the Raiders’ last game with a knee injury.
The 2023 fourth-round pick has limitations. He lacks mobility and creativity. But he gives the team a better chance of pushing the ball downfield than backup Desmond Ridder.
O’Connell’s return will be welcome news for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Neither had much of an impact Monday with Ridder starting against the Falcons.
Wide receiver Tre Tucker may also get more opportunities on deep shots with O’Connell back.
At running back, veteran Alexander Mattison will return to the starting role. Sincere McCormick’s brief run of success was ended by an ankle injury Monday that will keep him out the rest of the season.
Mattison is steady, though not explosive. Veteran Ameer Abdullah, a good receiving option out of the backfield, should get plenty of work as well.
The Raiders’ biggest concern has to be Jacksonville’s imposing defensive line. The Jaguars are tied for 29th in the NFL in sacks with 26, but they have enough individual talent to be scary.
When the Jaguars have the ball
Jacksonville is starting quarterback Mac Jones with Trevor Lawrence out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Jones, a 2021 first-round pick by the Patriots, has plenty of ability. But there’s a reason New England moved on from him in the offseason. Jones has thrown two interceptions in three of his seven appearances this season.
His best path to success is throwing the ball to rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who has eight touchdowns this season. Thomas is by far the Jaguars’ most dangerous weapon.
Etienne and Tank Bigsby are good running backs, though Jacksonville ranks 25th in the league with 101.6 rushing yards per game.
Injury report
■ Raiders: DOUBTFUL: LG Jordan Meredith (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: CB Nate Hobbs (illness), LB Kana’i Mauga (illness), CB Sam Webb (back/illness). FULL: RB Alexander Mattison (neck), WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle), QB Aidan O’Connell (knee), QB Desmond Ridder (hip).
■ Jaguars: LIMITED: LG Ezra Cleveland (knee), LT Walker Little (ankle), RG Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder), TE Brenton Stranger (shoulder).
The pick
Raiders 30, Jaguars 24
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.