Jacksonville Jaguars vs Philadelphia Eagles Point Spread Picks

Philadelphia scored 20 points in the first half against the Rams last week, got nothing after that, and the game still reached 44 points. I had the OVER in that one and cashed it. Three of the Eagles’ four games have gone for 44 or more, and the one that didn’t was a 27-7 loss at Chicago that finished at 34. Jacksonville allows 13.3 points per game, the second-fewest in the league, and its games have totaled 44, 33, 41 and 39, so that is the part of this matchup that pulls the other way. Eight forced turnovers in four games helped get them there, though, and Cincinnati still gained 437 yards on the Jaguars last week, with Joe Burrow throwing 39 of 54 for 428. Philadelphia allows 23.3 points per game, 17th in the league, and Jacksonville scores 26, including 34 and 35 in two of its four games. Quinyon Mitchell and Zack Baun are questionable for the Eagles’ defense, which the Jaguars will test in London. Take the OVER Sunday morning.

Jacksonville's defense is 29th in yards allowed, 25th on third down (43.14%), and 29th in points surrendered (28 per game). There's no problem with the offense under QB Trevor Lawrence (11 TDs, 4 INTs) and a ground game that averages 5.0 yards per carry. The Jaguars are on a 6-3 run OVER the total. Philadelphia's offense is eighth in total yards behind QB Jalen Hurts (8 TDs, 4 INTs) and new RB Saquon Barkley (766 yards, 5.9 ypc). Take Jacksonville/Philadelphia OVER the total. 

Philadelphia coach Doug Pederson has a winning preseason record. They showed nothing last week in a loss to Tennessee when playing only two starters. Backup QB Nate Sudfeld (broken wrist) is out, so that means starter Carson Wentz will see the field in Week 2. This team made the playoffs last season and won the Super Bowl two years ago, so there is plenty of talent and depth. Meanwhile, Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone has a losing preseason record and is stuck with a terrible QB rotation in Gardner Minshew, Alex McGough and Tanner Lee. The trio had two picks and 44 total yards in a 29-0 loss to Baltimore last week. Marrone isn't going to play a lot of starters in Week 2. He doesn't want to play new starting QB Nick Foles until the offensive line is healthy and three O-line starters are injured and not expected to play this week. Marrone is taking a more cautious approach this preseason because of the injuries that ravaged the team last year, so back the talented and deep underdog. Play Philadelphia.

Both teams head to London with recent struggles as Jacksonville has lost three straight and the defending Super Bowl champion has lost three of its last four. The Jaguars hope the trade to acquire Carlos Hyde will be a boost to the running game, which has suffered due to the hamstring injury to Leonard Fournette. The Jaguars have been hampered by 17 turnovers this season, which has given opponents great field position and explains why an otherwise good defense has allowed 90 points the last three games. Philadelphia has alternated going OVER and UNDER and this week it's time to go OVER after the Eagles lost 21-17 to Carolina on Sunday. Carson Wentz went 30-of-37 for 310 yards with no interceptions, but the defense gave up 7.1 yards per rush. The OVER is 35-17 in the Eagles' last 52 games following a loss and they are 26-10 OVER against teams with losing records dating to previous seasons. Jacksonville has gone OVER in eight of its last 11 games after scoring fewer than 15 points its previous game. Hyde figures to take some of the pressure off Jags QB Blake Bortles, who was replaced by Cody Kessler last week. Play the OVER.