Both the Chargers and Jaguars seem to ‘hit’ on QB selections in the 1st round over the last couple years with L.A’s Justin Herbert and Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence both set to make their playoff debuts in Saturday night’s wild card round game. Duval County should be rocking here as Jacksonville hosts just their second playoff game since 2000, but it’s the Chargers who are a -2.5 road favorite.
Before Betting on Chargers vs Jaguars
It can be tricky how teams decide to play their week 18 games, especially when there is nothing riding on it. Jacksonville had to go full steam as their matchup with the Titans last week decided the AFC South, but the Chargers lost 31-28 at Denver in a meaningless game, and in the process lost WR Mike Williams who suffered a back fracture in that outing.
The good news for the Chargers is that DE Joey Bosa was a full go at practice this week and should be ready to go to put the heat on Lawrence. The Jaguars also had the league’s #28 ranked pass defense so Herbert and his 4,739 yards passing this season should be ready to move the ball at will even without one of his best WRs.
The Jaguars are home underdogs Saturday night, but they really shouldn’t feel any pressure considering nobody expected them to be here in coach Doug Pederson’s first season after the Urban Meyer 3-14 debacle a season ago. Jacksonville is a tough team to bet against here, closing the regular season with five straight wins.
Los Angeles vs Jacksonville NFL Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Chargers (1.72) | Jags (2.18) | 47 | Chargers -2.5 (1.88) | Jags +2.5 (1.93) |
| Bovada | Chargers (1.77) | Jags (2.10) | 47 | Chargers -2 (1.91) | Jags +2 (1.91) |
| BetUS | Chargers (1.74) | Jags (2.15) | 47 | Chargers -1 (1.77) | Jags +1 (2.10) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Chargers (1.72) | Jags (2.18) | 47 | Chargers -2.5 (1.88) | Jags +2.5 (1.93) |
| Pinnacle | Chargers (1.75) | Jags (2.20) | 47 | Chargers -2.5 (1.93) | Jags +2.5 (1.98) |
| MyBookie | Chargers (1.77) | Jags (2.10) | 47 | Chargers -2 (1.91) | Jags +2 (1.91) |
Chargers vs Jaguars Prediction & Pick
The Jaguars might be a year away from being true playoff contenders once Lawrence gets more experience and the team adds just a couple more pieces, but it’s still going to be a special atmosphere at TIAA Bank on Saturday night. Like Lawrence, this is Herbert’s playoff debut as well even though he has an extra year in the league. Expect some struggles in a hostile environment.
Pick: Jaguars +2.5
