ClutchPoints
The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a masterclass win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Liam Coen outcoached Jim Harbaugh in every aspect, and there was nothing the Chargers could do. LA took a 3-0 lead early, but then the Jaguars flipped the switch and took over the game. They scored 35 points by reaching the end zone five times with ease. The ground game was elite, the defense shut down Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense, and the Jags are now 6-4, aiming to make a run to the postseason. A blown loss to the Houston Texans is keeping the Jags away from a solid win streak.
The Arizona Cardinals fell to the San Francisco 49ers for their second consecutive loss. The Niners dominated that game and scored 41 points. The Cardinals allowed 44 to the Seattle Seahawks the game before that. If Arizona wants to have any shot at making the playoffs this season, they must upset the Jags at home to improve to 4-7. The Cardinals will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams next, so a loss against the Jags would almost assure their season is over.
Jacoby Brissett will start once again for the Cardinals. They are not going to rush Kyler Murray back in a lost-cause season. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. did not practice again on Thursday and could miss another week. This would be a huge loss for the Cardinals. Luckily, Michael Wilson stepped up big time in his absence, though it did not matter as the Cardinals’ defense is not great. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, who is known for his defensive mind, is on the hot seat in Arizona.
The Jaguars are dealing with a lot of injuries as well. Brian Thomas Jr. may not play as he hasn’t practiced, and both running backs, Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten, were limited in practice. Nonetheless, this should be a close game, but with how well the Jags played against the Chargers, they should be heavily favored to win.
Let’s preview some bold predictions for this Week 12 matchup in Glendale, Arizona.
For the first time all season against the Chargers, the Jaguars reached the end zone on offense more than three times. The win against the Kansas City Chiefs back in early October had a pick-six from Devin Lloyd off of Patrick Mahomes, and they scored three TDs. Against the Chargers, the offense was firing on all cylinders. In Week 12 against another bad defense in Arizona, the Jags should see more success, and they will capitalize on it.
With Thomas Jr. out, Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington will remain the top targets for Trevor Lawrence. Tuten and Etienne being limited in practice is also not a great sign, but if available, they should excel once again. There is no reason why the Jaguars can’t continue their hot run against the Cardinals.
**Bold Prediction No. 2: Trevor Lawrence has...
