The first of two matchups scheduled on a Monday Night Football doubleheader, the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) will take on the Buffalo Bills (2-0) from Highmark Stadium.
Bet on Jaguars vs. Bills
JAX +5.5
BUF -5.5
The Jaguars have struggled out the gates after dropping back-to-back losses to start their season for the first time since 2021. Needing to right the ship and turn the tides of their season, this road matchup may be an early make-or-break scenario for the Jags’ postseason chances.
Meanwhile, the Bills have exceeded early expectations, having continued to be one of the top teams in the NFL. Undefeated through two weeks of play, the Bills looked sensational in their 31-10 routing of the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
As both teams are looking to earn a big win to cap off Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season, let’s dive into the odds, picks, and betting trends for Monday’s duel between the Jaguars and Bills courtesy of bet365:
Jaguars vs. Bills odds
| Jaguars Moneyline Odds | +200 |
| Bills Moneyline Odds | -245 |
| Spread odds | Bills -5.5 (-110), Jaguars +5.5 (-110) |
| Over/Under | Over 45.5 points (-110), Under 45.5 points (-110) |
| Time/Date | Sep. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: TSN/DAZN |
About the Jaguars (0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS, 0-2 o/u)
Amidst some early adversity this season, the Jaguars have failed to live up to expectations. After blowing a 17-0 lead to the Dolphins in Week 1, followed by a sloppy showing in a winnable game against the Cleveland Browns, the Jaguars are in desperate need of a momentum shift.
Still sporting top end playmakers such as their Clemson Tigers duo, Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, as well as standout rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the Jaguars are a tough matchup week-to-week. While their games have been fairly slow-paced thus far in 2024, they have been solid when it comes to covering the spread.
About the Bills (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS, 1-1 o/u)
Looking like Super Bowl contenders once again in the AFC, the Bills haven’t missed a beat since a poor offseason. Utilizing a “next man up” mentality, quarterback Josh Allen has led the Bills to back-to-back impressive victories to kickoff their 2024 campaign.
Set to face their toughest test of the season so far, the Bills will need to go punch-for-punch with the offensively sound Jaguars in order to pull out a win. Never afraid to go toe-to-toe in a shootout, the Bills are sure to provide their home crowd with a thrilling Monday night clash.
Line movement
The line has moved slightly since opening. The point spread opened at -6 in favour of the Bills, but has since shrunk to -5,5. The point total also saw it take a one-point hit, dropping from 46.5 to 45.5 points.
Key Injuries
The Jaguars have several players listed as questionable heading into their clash with the Bills including, running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder), safety Darnell Savage (quad), and receiver Tim Jones (foot). Tight end Evan Engram is out with a hamstring injury.
The Bills are also nursing some injuries currently as cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) and linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) are both going to be out of commission on Monday night.
Weather
Buffalo is expected to be hit with showers throughout the day and evening. The projected temperature is going to be 20 C, with light 7 mph winds.
NFL Betting Trends
- The Bills are 12-5 straight-up as favourites since 2023.
- The Jaguars are 8-11 against the spread as underdogs since 2021.
- Trevor Lawrence is 2-0 head-to-head against the Bills in his career.
- Josh Allen is 3-5 on Monday night games.
NFL Player Prop Trends
- Josh Allen has passed for an average of 289.5 yards in his last two games against Jacksonville. His line is currently set at 232.5 yards (-110).
- James Cook has rushed for Over 63.5 yards (-110) in four of his last five games played.
- Travis Etienne has scored a touchdown in his last three games played. Etienne is priced at +105 as an anytime touchdown scorer.
- Trevor Lawrence has thrown for Under 1.5 passing touchdowns in nine of his last 11 games. You can bet the Under on his touchdown pass total at -170 odds.
Josh Allen Over 232.5 Passing Yards
Jaguars vs. Bills Predictions
- While the 2024 season hasn’t gone their way early on, we like the Jaguars to cover the spread as 5.5-point underdogs. With a deep roster that is capable of exploding for big plays at any moment, the Jags are equipped to stay within striking distance of the lead against a mediocre Bills defence. The moneyline is certainly a juicy pick, but providing yourself with insurance on the spread is the smart bet to make when backing the Jaguars on Monday Night Football.
- In a battle of high-powered offences, look for the Over to hit in the Jaguars vs. Bills. Both sides are no strangers to high-scoring affairs, especially in the case of the Bills who have had both of their games played this season finish with Over 45.5 points. As the Jaguars look to match the high-scoring output of the Bills, watch as the scoreboard quickly rises in this primetime tilt.
