Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

In a Thursday night attraction between two teams coming off big victories last week, the Atlanta Falcons will look to keep their postseason hopes going strong against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The Jaguars' offense finally put on a performance to be excited about against Tampa Bay last week, when they scored 41 points. That was nearly 25 percent of the total they had scored throughout the first 12 games combined.

Things won't be quite so easy this week, but at least there is hope that they will be competitive. 

The Falcons were able to weather an early-season storm that saw them go 2-3 through five games. They have won six of their last eight and are firmly in control of their playoff destiny.

While a division title will be difficult to come by, they can coast to a wild-card spot with good performances in the final three weeks.

Where: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia

When: Thursday, Dec. 15 at 8:20 p.m. EST

Watch: NFL Network

Spread: Atlanta (-11.5)

I would be reluctant to give the Falcons that many points against a team with even a mediocre offense, because they are not exactly a dominant team. They win a lot of close games late, which makes them difficult to figure out when betting against the spread. 

This week, however, I think that number is going to be low. The Jaguars have one of the worst offenses in the league and a one-week spike in performance is not going to magically turn things around. 

The Falcons are stronger on defense than the Buccaneers are, and, unlike Tampa Bay, they haven't thrown in the towel on their season. 

Over/Under: 42.5

That number seems awfully high considering how inept the Jaguars have been on offense. Unless the Falcons are going to score 30-plus points, it will be difficult for this game to approach 42.5 points. 

While the Falcons do have the talent to put up a lot of points in a hurry, the Jaguars' defense has been solid for most of the season. 

Too many factors point to this being a low-scoring game, therefore I would take the under in this game. 

Jaguars Injury Report

Out: DE Matt Roth (Concussion), WR Cecil Shorts (Hamstring), WR Mike Thomas (Concussion)

Questionable: K Josh Scobee (Groin)

Probable: S Dwight Lowery (Shoulder), T Guy Whimper (Thigh)

Falcons Injury Report

Doubtful: CB Brent Grimes (Knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (Toe)

Questionable: DT Jonathan Babineaux (Ankle), T Will Svitek (Groin), LB Stephen Nicholas (Quadricep)

Probable: T Tyson Clabo (Illness), WR Harry Douglas (Groin), RB Michael Turner (Groin), K Matt Bryant (Illness), DE Ray Edwards (Neck), CB Christopher Owens (Hand), WR Julio Jones (Back)

Fantasy Big Plays

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew

I know the Falcons have one of the best run defenses in the NFL, but considering how well MJD has performed this season and what a touchdown machine he's become in the last two weeks, there is too much here not to like. 

Even if Jones-Drew does not have a high yards-per-carry average, he is going to get enough touches to run for over 100 yards because he is the only playmaker this offense has. 

Falcons WR Julio Jones

Unless you are in a PPR league, I don't see any reason not to start Jones this week. He has emerged as the big-play threat that the Falcons were hoping for when they traded away a small fortune to draft him. 

He is averaging over 18 yards per reception this season, and had two big touchdown receptions last week against Carolina. The fact that he was able to break away on one for 75 yards is a sign that his hamstring issues are gone. 

Keys To Jaguars Win

Quick, early scores on offense and turnovers on defense. 

The problem for Jacksonville this season has been when they get behind they have to throw the ball, which is something that usually works out well for the other team. If they are able to control the tempo early and take the Falcons out of their rhythm, it will make things easier on the defense. 

Speaking of the defense, they have to get off the field as soon as possible. They have to play a lot each week because the offense has been abysmal, so any opportunity they have for a three-and-out or a turnover has to be taken advantage of. 

Keys To Falcons Win

Contain Maurice Jones-Drew and create big plays on offense. 

The best part of the Falcons' defense is their front four, and the run defense has been stout all season. Jones-Drew has been the only beacon of light for Jacksonville this season, so if you stop him, you stop everything else. 

Matt Ryan has had an inconsistent season thus far, but he is playing better lately with a quarterback rating over 100 in three of the last four starts. He needs to take chances down the field with Julio Jones and Roddy White. 

Prediction

The Falcons will win this game with relative ease. 

Falcons 24, Jaguars 10

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