The Jacksonville Jaguars can’t wait for this season to end and sort out their countless issues. Before that, however, they will have to cross paths with the Miami Dolphins, who have need to take care of their own business in order to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive. The Jaguars are out of playoff contention and they can do their part in making the Dolphins who are +12,500 to win the AFC, suffer the same fate.
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Betting Preview for the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Miami Dolphins NFL Season Week 16 Game on December 23, 2018
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
When: Sunday, December 23, 2018, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Jacksonville Jaguars (+4.5) vs Miami Dolphins (-4.5) – view all 2018 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10)
The Jaguars just seem to sink lower every time they show up on the field, which is sort of expected for a team with someone like Cody Kessler as its quarterback. Having said that, the Jaguars don’t look like they are going back to Blake Bortles, so Kessler may once again be the team’s starter in the Dolphins game. In last week’s 16-13 home loss to the Washington Redskins, Kessler coughed up just 57 passing yards with zero touchdowns and an interception on a mere 9-of-17 completions. He led the team with 68 yards, but those were empty caloric stat that didn’t amount to anything significant. It’s running back Leonard Fournette, who’ll have to step up, considering he’s arguably the best offensive weapon the Jaguars have right now. Fournette can light it on the ground this weekend against the Dolphins’ run defense that’s ranked 30th in the league with just 144.7 rushing yards allowed per game.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Recent Performance Analysis
The Jacksonville Jaguars faced significant challenges throughout the 2018 season, reflected in their 4-10 record so far. Their offensive line struggled, resulting in issues with passing and rushing effectiveness.
Ranked among the lower tiers in total offensive yards, the team leaned heavily on their defense, which shone in bright spots but couldn't make up for offensive deficiencies. Leonard Fournette emerged as an important player, yet injuries limited his impact.
Consistent quarterback changes further destabilized their offensive momentum, evident in their low average points per game.
The over is 4-0 in the Jags’ last four road games.
Betting on the Miami Dolphins (7-7)
Fresh off an improbable win over the New England Patriots in Week 14, the Dolphins were not capitalize on it last Sunday, as they crashed and burned in a 41-17 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill probably felt like he needed to call his lawyer and sign his will midgame, as the Dolphins’ offensive line was not able to stop Minnesota from racking up nine sacks. Miami has a shot to make the playoffs and the Jaguars are completely a beatable team, but the Dolphins need to find an answer quick to their pass protection woes and address the loss of running back Frank Gore. The 35-year-old Gore, who leads Miami this season in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, is not expected to see any more action this season due to a foot injury. That means the likes of Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake will have to share the backfield load moving forward. The Dolphins are 18th in the NFL with 112.6 rushing yards per game, though, it may be a challenge for them to reach that average with Gore out.
Miami Dolphins' Playoff Scenarios
The Dolphins found themselves in a tight spot heading into Week 16. With a 7-7 record, every game counted for Miami to clinch a wildcard spot.
Key victories against divisional rivals and other potential playoff contenders were necessary to keep their postseason dreams alive. Losses suffered earlier in the season meant the Dolphins needed help from other teams losing to secure their playoff place.
The Dolphins are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Head-to-Head Historical Performance
Historically, the matchups between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins have been closely contested. The teams had faced each other multiple times, with neither side dominating the win column.
These encounters often offered thrilling displays of tactics, with several games decided by slim margins. Reviewing past performances reveals a pattern where home-field advantage played a significant role, influencing outcomes and intensifying this Florida rivalry.
Writer’s Prediction
Jacksonville wins, 23-20.
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