Detroit Lions (1-0) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0)
Game Info: Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm (Ford Field)
Betting Odds: Detroit Lions +3.5 -- Over/Under: 39.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Jacksonville Jaguars will play the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the NFL Preseason on Saturday afternoon at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Jacksonville opened up their preseason with a win on the road in Dallas, while Detroit defeated the Giants at home.
Jaguars Preview
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be on the road for the second consecutive week in this matchup after they defeated the Cowboys in Dallas by a score of 28-23 last weekend. Jacksonville opened up the scoring with a touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence to Christian Kirk and added a two point conversion from Lawrence to Zay Jones. The Jags also got touchdowns from C.J. Beathard, Nathan Rourke, and Qadree Ollison. Jacksonville out gained Dallas by a total of 414-376, forced three Dallas turnovers, and went 10-17 on third down conversions. Nathan Rourke was the most effective quarterback for Jacksonville, going 9/17 for 153 yards and one touchdown, while also adding 20 yards and a touchdown on the ground. We should see a similar game plan from the Jaguars here, as the starters will not get a ton of playing time.
Lions Preview
The Detroit Lions will have the home field advantage once again in this matchup after they won by a score of 21-16 over the Giants in Week 1. The Lions offense took a little bit of time to get going, as they were only able to score three points in the first half. Detroit started the second half strong with a 95-yard punt return touchdown from Maurice Alexander. The Lions also got a touchdown from Adrian Martinez late in the fourth quarter to take the lead. Detroit did make two field goals in the game, a 39 yarder from Riley Patterson and a 28 yarder from John Parker Romo. Detroit out gained New York by a total of 328-243, converted 19 first downs, turned the ball over twice, and went 7-15 on third down attempts. Nate Sudfeld played the majority of the game at quarterback and he did not impress, going 15/28 for 194 yards and two interceptions. The Lions were one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL last season and they showed it again in this game, going for 1-3 on fourth down attempts.
Pick
I liked what I saw from both teams in their preseason openers, but the Jacksonville offense looked very good. Nathan Rourke is a very solid quarterback that can use his legs when he needs to and he should get plenty of playing time once again here. Detroit needs to get better quarterback play, but will they improve without the starters playing? The Lions are getting 3.5 points, which I think is a lot for a preseason game, but I think the Jacksonville offense is in a better place. Take the Jags here.
David’s Pick Jaguars -3.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
