Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars AFC Wild Card Playoffs 1/14/2023 Best Picks and Game Analysis
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs NFL game at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The Chargers, who are seeking their first playoff win since 2018, have the eighth-highest total offense in the league and average 23 points per game. Despite facing criticism for playing key starters in a meaningless 31-28 loss against Denver last Sunday, head coach Brandon Staley will lead the team in their quest for victory. Meanwhile, the Jaguars, who are looking for their first playoff win since 2017, will also be competing for the win.
Despite QB Justin Herbert’s impressive performance, completing 25-for-37 passes for 273 yards and two TD strikes to Keenan Allen, the Chargers’ ground defense struggled with a 205-59 margin. The team’s recent success on the road, winning 5 of their last 8 games, couldn’t compensate for the defeat. Justin Herbert’s stats for the season are impressive, with 68.2 percent of his passes completed for 4,739 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 picks. Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer had a good season too, combined for 1,664 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Keenan Allen also had a solid season with 66 receptions. Despite the disappointment, the Chargers’ ground game, averaging 89.6 yards per contest, had a bright spot with Austin Ekeler who led the way with 915 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- The LA Chargers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 outings with the Jaguars.
- The Los Angeles Chargers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games against Jacksonville.
- The Chargers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games on the road.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars AFC Wild Card Playoffs 1/14/2023 Best Picks and Game Analysis
In “The Sunshine State”, the Jacksonville Jaguars, adorned in black and teal, began the season with a lackluster 2-6 record under first-year head coach Doug Pederson. However, they ended the regular season on a high note, with a five-game winning streak that earned them the AFC South Division title. Second-year pro-Trevor Lawrence, under Pederson’s guidance, saw significant growth and finished the season with 4,113 passing yards. On Saturday, in a thrilling competition against the Titans, the Jaguars, fueled by the energy of the home crowd, erased a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 20-16 victory.
With candor and emotion, Linebacker Josh Allen made the winning touchdown for Jacksonville on a 37-yard fumble return with less than three minutes left in regulation. It was a game-winning play that brought the crowd to their feet. Christian Kirk shredded the Tennessee secondary for 99 receiving yards and a 25-yard score. Jacksonville’s ground game, averages 124.5 yards per contest, and Travis Etienne Jr. led the way with 1,125 yards and 5 TDs. Jacksonville is allowing 20.6 points and 353.3 yards per game. Foyesade Oluokun leads the Jacksonville Jaguars with 184 tackles, Josh Allen has 6 sacks and Andre Cisco has 3 interceptions. It was an emotional victory for the team.
- The total spilled OVER in 6 of Jacksonville’s last 7 games with the Chargers.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home.
- Jacksonville is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games at home against LA Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars. The NFL pick for this game is the LA Chargers. As the game draws near, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and concern among fans and teammates as they wait to see whether Los Angeles WR Mike Williams will be able to play due to a back injury sustained during Sunday’s loss. All eyes will be on the quarterback matchup in this game, with many feeling that the Chargers have the upper hand with Justin Herbert. Despite the adversity, fans and experts alike are optimistic, predicting that the Los Angeles team will come out victorious on the road with a final score of 28-20. The emotions are mixed with some hope, some uncertainty and some confidence.
NFL Starting Time: 8:15 PM (EDT)
Location: TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL
Date: Saturday, January 14, 2023
TV: FOX
NFL Odds: Los Angeles Chargers -2.5
NFL Totals: 47