12 Sep 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Image Jasen Vinlove-Imagn The Jacksonville Jaguars face a tall task as they try to win their first game of the 2024 season on Monday Night Football.
The 0-2 Jaguars travel to Buffalo to take on a 2-0 Bills team that has enjoyed three extra days since dismantling Miami 31-10 to start Week 2. Buffalo is looking for its first 3-0 start since 2020.
ODDS AND TRENDS
The Bills are the consensus 5.5-point favorite. That is included in BetRivers, where they have been made by 69 percent of all spread-line bets and 59 percent of the money. Buffalo’s -265 moneyline has been even more popular, drawing 86 and 80 percent of the money, respectively.
The public expects a high-scoring affair, with the 45.5-point Over/Under seeing the Over supported by 81 percent of the money.
SELECT PROP
James Cook anytime TD (-105): This has been the most popular prop player in the book for Friday night’s first game, collecting 2.5 percent of all player-prop money wagered at BetRivers. Cook has three touchdowns this season — all coming in Week 2 at Miami. It was a breakout performance for Cook, who didn’t reach the end zone in the last six games of the season, including three playoff contests.
MAIN STATS
The underdogs have covered the spread each of the past six times these teams have met. Meanwhile, each of the Bills’ four home games has gone over the total points total line.
INFORMATION
The matchup of the two Josh Allens has a different ring to it this season.
In fact, this time there will be only one on the field when the Buffalo Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night in Orchard Park, NY.
The Bills quarterback still goes by that name, but Jacksonville’s star quarterback who dominates the 2021 game is now Josh Hines-Allen. The change was made to honor the mother’s side of the family.
Make sure that Buffalo’s Allen will not be confused by the change in identity when the Bills bid for a 3-0 start for the first time since 2020. He knows exactly what to look for in every snap.
“Anytime you get a D-end like that, they give him problems,” Allen said Thursday of Hines-Allen, who had a career-high 17.5 sacks last season. “The motor that he has doesn’t let go, he finds a way to continue to reach the midfielder.
“He is one of the fastest in the league and we have to know him at all times.”
Jacksonville upset the Bills 9-6 in 2021 and Hines-Allen became a terror to anyone whose name was ever shared. He had an interception, recovered a fumble by Allen and notched a sack.
Hines-Allen is 2-0 in head-to-head matchups with Allen, as the Jaguars also beat the Bills last season, 25-20 in London.
But the team has started the 2024 season in the opposite direction. Allen has thrown three touchdown passes in just 42 throws and the Bills rank third in the NFL in offense at 32.5 points per game.
The offense was clicking despite the offseason trade of receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Two other key players also left and now play for the Jaguars — center Mitch Morse and Gabe Davis.
“Both guys that have been around for a long time have come a long way over the last couple of years,” Allen said. “Both guys mean a lot to me, not just football. I consider them very close friends. … It takes a lot to win in this league, and they’ve been two big contributors over the last few years.”
The Jaguars are looking to avoid their first 0-3 start since losing their first five games under Urban Meyer in 2021. They’re also trying to shake off a sluggish offense that’s tied for 27th at 15 points per game.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence received a five-year, $275 million extension in the offseason, but his play has been generally lethargic this year. He completed just 51 percent of his throws, and went 14-of-30 passing with four sacks during last Sunday’s 18-13 home loss to the Cleveland Browns.
“We can’t hit the panic button, but we need to have some real conversations,” Lawrence said. “We have a really good team to come out here and do two weeks in a row like this. year and it’s not going to get any easier.
REPORT INJURIES
Allen (left hand) was a participant in full practice on Thursday. The only Bills to sit out are linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) and cornerback Taron Johnson (arm), two players who will miss the game.
Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. He was injured in pregame warmups before the Cleveland game.
The people said
“Now that we’re down 0-2, everybody’s going to be counting on us,” Hines-Allen said. “Playing against a good team — 2-0 — we went in there with our backs against the wall and came out fighting. I’m excited about that — and not (playing) in the cold.” –Hines-Allen
PREDICTION
The Jaguars handled the Bills 25-20 late in the season, but that’s when Jacksonville plays far more consistent football. Cleveland and Miami each have just one win this season, both against the Jaguars, who have only managed 30 points through two games. Buffalo faces a tough three-game slate against Baltimore, Houston and the New York Jets on Monday night, so the Bills will focus at home to keep up with the elite in the AFC. The bigger question is whether they’ll cover the spread –Bills 27, Jaguars 20
–Field Level Media
