Packers vs. Jaguars Point Spread: NFL Week 8 Odds, Prediction
The Packers remained just a half-game back of Detroit and Minnesota in the race of the division lead with last weekend’s 24-22 win over the AFC South-leading Houston Texans and have surrendered just 18 points per game during their 3-0 run. The Jaguars return home after wrapping up a two-game stint in London with last week’s 32-16 win over New England and have now won two of three after opening their campaign with four straight losses.
The Packers arrive in North Florida leading the way as 4-point road favourites on the NFL Week 8 odds. The Jags lag as +170 underdogs on the NFL moneyline and the total is pegged at 49.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
It has been four years since these teams last met, with the Packers tallying a 24-20 victory to extend their current head-to-head win streak to three games. Overall, the Packers have earned the win in five of seven all-time dates with the Jags. However, clashes between these teams have tended to be close affairs, with five of their past six matchups getting settled by just a single score. That has produced steady results at the sportsbooks for the Jaguars, who have covered in five straight meetings with Green Bay.
Things haven’t worked out quite so well for Jacksonville this season. The Jags have covered in just three of seven outings to date and are winless SU and ATS in their past three when pegged as home underdogs by four or fewer points.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers were forced to overcome deficits four times in last week’s date with the Texans and needed a field goal on the final play of the game to eke out a 24-22 victory and stay within striking distance of the top of the division. Jordan Love proved to be both the goat and the hero in that contest. The Packers pivot tossed a pair of interceptions, which the Texans converted into a touchdown and field goal.
However, Love also guided the Pack on a trio of lengthy scoring drives including the fourth-quarter march that sealed the victory. Overall, Love has impressed, tossing for 15 touchdowns in five appearances to date. But accuracy remains an issue, with the 25-year-old tossing at least one pick in each of his outings and an NFL-worst eight so far this season.
Fortunately, the Packers have been able to mask those concerns with ferocious defensive performances, limiting opponents to just 18 points per game and surrendering just two total touchdown passes during their 3-0 run.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars overcame a slow start last weekend, erasing an early 10-0 deficit on their way to a 32-16 win over the Patriots. That performance was welcome after the Jags were totally outclassed in a 35-16 loss to Chicago in Week 6, but can this team maintain that momentum against the stingy Packers?
Overall, Jacksonville has managed to score 20 or fewer points in their five losses to date and continue to struggle early on, scoring just three total points in the first quarter over their past three games. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has done his part by throwing for five total touchdowns over that stretch while second-year running back Tank Bigsby has stepped up, topping 100 rushing yards twice and running for four touchdowns over the past three weeks.
However, injuries remain a massive concern. Rusher Travis Etienne, tight end Evan Engram, and receiver Gabe Davis all remain hobbled by injuries that limited them at practice this week. However, that opens the door for rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to once again take on a bigger assignment. Thomas has been one of this team’s pleasant surprises while averaging 73.3 receiving yards and making four scoring catches this season.
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