Sports columnist Ryan O’Halloran about Brian Thomas Jr.’s ups, downs
A year after finishing third in the NFL in receiving yards, Brian Thomas Jr. enters Sunday’s Jaguars game 27th in yards.
Wake up early with the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing their annual London game (just one this year) against the Los Angeles Rams in a surprise matchup of two teams who could meet in the Super Bowl.
That’s right, the Jaguars are one of six 4-2 teams in the AFC and have one of the top defenses in the NFL, though they’ll be without breakout linebacker Devin Lloyd today. Jacksonville flies in off a 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks when the offense put up just 17 yards in the fourth quarter. Trevor Lawrence threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, one to Brian Thomas Jr.
The Rams are one of five 4-2 teams in the NFC. Matthew Stafford will be without Puka Nacua, third in the league with 616 receiving yards and second in receptions (54) and targets (65) entering today’s game. He’s still got plenty of weapons, led by running back Kyren Williams and wideout Davante Adams, plus a stout defense led by former Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse.
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Jaguars vs Rams odds, money line, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Oct. 17.
Moneyline: Rams -165, Jaguars +140Spread: Rams by 3Over/under: 44½
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.
Jaguars vs Rams predictions, picks for NFL Week 7Demetrius Harvey, Florida Times-Union
Rams 20, Jaguars 14: “In Jacksonville’s two losses, the team struggled at times with preventing big plays and controlling the line of scrimmage. With the Rams, I don’t see why they’d be any different this week.”
Ryan O’Halloran, Florida Times-Union
Rams 27, Jaguars 20: “If the Jaguars find a way to win and enter the bye at 5-2, they will make the playoffs. The Rams will win because when in doubt, lean toward the team with the better quarterback play and better pass rush.”
Jaguars 24, Rams 21: “The Rams beat the Ravens last week, while the Jaguars lost to the Seahawks. The Seattle line sacked Trevor Lawrence seven times in that game. The Rams’ defensive front has to be licking its chops. The Los Angeles offense will be without Puka Nacua, its best receiver. That matters. The Jaguars will pull one out late.”
Jaguars 22, Rams 20: “Puka Nacua (ankle) could miss time for the Rams, and that will put a little more stress on Matthew Stafford knowing the Jaguars have a run defense that allows 91.4 rushing yards per game. Same goes for Jacksonville around Trevor Lawrence. This feels like a defensive struggle, and Jacksonville did not fare well against Seattle. Is this a small upset?”
Jaguars vs Rams time, TV channel todayKickoff time: 9:30 a.m. ETTV channel: NFL Network | WFOX (Fox Channel 30 in Jacksonville)Livestream: Fubo (free trial)