Neither team is above .500, but a division title will be decided when the 8-8 Jaguars host the 7-9 Titans Saturday night in Jacksonville. Not all that long ago, Tennessee looked like it owned a lock on the AFC South; six weeks later, Jacksonville looks like the team with the upper hand.
Who do we like here for our free Ten/Jax pick?
NFL Betting Lines
The Week 18 NFL betting odds opened Jacksonville as a seven-point home favorite for Saturday night, with an over/under of right around 39. Early betting action then edged that line down to -6.5 and bumped that total to 40.
Titans Betting Preview
Tennessee totes a six-game losing skid into Saturday night after falling at home to Dallas last Thursday 27-13. The Titans, with back-up QB Josh Dobbs making his first career NFL start in place of the injured Tannehill and without RB Henry, gave up the first 10 points of the game and trailed 10-6 at the half. Tennessee then gave up the first touchdown of the second half, pulled to within 17-13 late in the third quarter but could get no closer and came up short ATS as a 13-point dog.
The Titans got out-gained by the Cowboys 361-317, lost time of possession by a 33:27 split, and committed 124 yards worth of penalties.
Tennessee has now been out-gained by each of its last six opponents. It’s also averaging just 15 points per game its last six times out, going 0-5-1 ATS in the process.
Two weeks ago the Titans lost to two-win Houston 19-14. Three weeks ago, Tennessee lost to the Chargers 17-14.
Six weeks ago, Tennessee looked like a shoo-in for the playoffs. Now, this team is on the verge of a total collapse. If the Titans lose this game, one wonder what changes might be in store for this team over the off-season.
Jaguars Betting Preview
Jacksonville, meanwhile, rides a four-game winning streak into Saturday after disposing of the Texans last Sunday 31-3. The Jaguars drove their first two possessions of the game to touchdowns and led 21-0 at the half. Jacksonville then drove its first possession of the second half to another touchdown and eased home from there for the victory and the cover at -4.
The Jags out-gained Houston 337-277 and out-rushed the Texans 169-84.
Jacksonville has now out-gained each of its last four opponents and out-rushed each of its last three foes. They’re also 4-0 ATS its last four times out.
Two weeks ago, the Jags held the Jets to 227 yards of total offense and won 19-3. Three weeks ago, they rallied from a 17-point, second-half deficit to beat Dallas 40-34 in overtime. And four weeks ago, Jacksonville won at Tennessee 36-22.
At 8-8 overall the Jaguars lead the AFC South by one game and a tie-breaker over the 7-9 Titans. But if Tennessee wins this game it will own the better record within the division, and thus the division title.
Titans-Jaguars Recent History
Tennessee beat Jacksonville in nine out of 10 meetings from 2017 through last season. But the Jags won the first meeting between these teams this season a month ago, 36-22. Jacksonville trailed 14-7 in the second quarter but used a 29-0 run to take control.
The Jaguars out-gained Tennessee that day 428-364 and won the turnover battle 4-0.
Also, that game played over a total of 42 in the third quarter.
- Get more details: Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville 1/7/22 Betting Stats
NFL Betting Trends
Outright winners are 202-45 ATS (82 percent) in the NFL this season.
Totals Report
- The Unders are 11-5 in Titans games this season which are averaging 39 total points.
- The Totals are split 8-8 in Jaguars games this season, which are averaging 45 points.
- Through Week 17, the Unders are 144-107 (57 percent) in the NFL this season.
