While the Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) and Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11) have both been eliminated from playoff contention for weeks now, both teams do have something to play for in Week 16.
Well, they have something to lose for, actually. Both teams are in the running for the No. 1 overall pick entering Week 16. According to Tankathon, the Raiders are in the top spot for now, but the Jaguars are hot on their trail in the No. 4 spot.
The Jaguars won’t have their starting quarterback for this game, as Trevor Lawrence is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Mac Jones will be under center once again, and will remain the starter for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, the Raiders will be getting their starter back in Aidan O’Connell, who sat out last week’s game with a knee bruise. O’Connell will provide a massive boost to the Raiders’ offense after Desmond Ridder was awful in Week 15.
The last thing either of these teams need is a win, although the head coaches could use one with them likely on the hot seat. Here’s what experts are predicting for this matchup between two of the worst teams in the NFL.
NFL picks, predictions for Week 16: Raiders vs. Jaguars
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Jaguars 23, Raiders 20
Iyer: “The Jaguars’ defense has given up plenty to wide receivers and also can be smashed on the ground, but the Raiders aren’t built to exploit that with their ineffectiveness and injury uncertainty. Mac Jones has sparked the Jaguars’ offense late with rookie Brian Thomas Jr. becoming a better go-to guy with every week. This week, the running game also will provide more support.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Jaguars 18, Ravens 15
Bender: “This is a draft-positioning game. Mac Jones has thrown seven interceptions in his past five starts, and the Raiders continue to shuffle quarterbacks in and out each week. It’s two bad teams, and Las Vegas is working on a short week. Jacksonville is 2-0 ATS as an underdog of three points or less. Why not?”
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Jaguars 24, Raiders 20
Prisco: “This is the dog game of the week. The loser might end up with the first overall pick. That means it’s a win to lose. So who is the winner by losing? Give me the Raiders. The Jaguars will find a way to win this game behind a solid rushing attack.
CBS Sports
Will Brinson: Jaguars
Jared Dubin: Jaguars
Ryan Wilson: Jaguars
John Breech: Jaguars
Tyler Sullivan: Jaguars
Dave Richard: Raiders
Jamey Eisenberg: Raiders
ESPN
Stephania Bell: Jaguars
Matt Bowen: Jaguars
Mike Clay: Jaguars
Jeremy Fowler: Raiders
Dan Graziano: Jaguars
Kalyn Kahler: Raiders
Kimberley A. Martin: Jaguars
Eric Moody: Jaguars
Jason Reid: Raiders
Lindsey Thiry: Jaguars
Seth Wickersham: Jaguars
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