Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) will attempt to play the role of spoiler as they face off with their division rival Tennessee Titans (7-7), who are hanging onto their playoff hopes by a thread. The teams previously met in Week 1 with the Jaguars coming out on top, 16-14.

Along with its win over the Titans, Jacksonville has also knocked off the Baltimore Ravens. The Jaguars just haven't been able to maintain that form for any length of time to build winning streaks. Getting Blaine Gabbert more weapons should be priority No. 1 this offseason.

It's been a rollercoaster season for the Titans, so it's really no surprise they currently sit at .500. Chris Johnson hasn't been his usual dynamic self and that's caused the offense to struggle mightily at times. That said, if they can win their final two games and catch a few breaks the postseason is still possible.

Where: LP Field in Nashville, Tenn.

When: Saturday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Spread: Titans -7.5

There are two key factors in play here. First, the Titans are coming off a two-touchdown loss to the previously winless Indianapolis Colts. Second, Tennessee should have a motivational advantage over Jacksonville, which is playing for nothing but pride at this point.

All told, I lean toward taking the points because it's impossible to tell what Titans team is going to show up from week to week. With Johnson likely entering the game at less than 100 percent, the Jaguars should be able to keep it close.

Pick: Jaguars

Over/Under: 40

It seems like just about every offensive contributor on both teams are dealing with some type of nagging injury that's forcing them to fall short of their usual level of productivity. That includes both superstar running backs who have ankle issues.

When you combine that with two above average defenses and a high-pressure situation, I think the under is a safer pick. There's just not enough encouraging signs from either offense to expect this game to become a shootout or anything close.

Pick: Under

Key Injuries (via CBS Sports unless otherwise linked)

Jaguars: RB Maurice Jones-Drew (probable, ankle), TE Marcedes Lewis (questionable, hamstring), WR Mike Thomas (questionable, concussion), S Dwight Lowery (shoulder, questionable)

Titans: RB Chris Johnson (questionable, ankle), WR Nate Washington (probable, ankle)

Fantasy Big Plays

RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) – Jones-Drew has scored at least 11 fantasy points in seven straight games and hasn't scored less than eight points all season. That type of consistency is golden for owners. The Titans rank 23rd against opposing fantasy RBs, which should mean another big performance.

Tennessee Titans D/ST – With Tennessee's main contributors dealing with injuries or a bad matchup, their defense could very well turn out to be the team's best fantasy option. The Titans have topped the 20-point mark twice and could do it again against a weak Jaguars offense.

Keys to Jaguars Win

Effective pass rush – The Titans have had a lot of problems at quarterback over the past few weeks. Jacksonville needs to keep the pressure on all afternoon to make sure whichever QB is in there doesn't find any rhythm. Jeremy Mincey leads the team with six sacks.

Control the clock – It's no secret that the Jaguars aren't going to succeed if they are forced into a high-scoring game. They need to feed Jones-Drew the ball early and often to make sure the game remains close into the fourth quarter when anything can happen.

Keys to Titans Win

Big plays on defense – Even though Tennessee ranks eighth in points allowed per game, the team's defense has lacked game-changing plays. They have just on defensive touchdown and rank near the bottom of the league in sacks.

Short leash for Matt Hasselbeck – The veteran has done relatively well as a stopgap option for the Titans, but he's been outplayed by rookie Jake Locker in recent weeks. If Hasselbeck gets off to a slow start, Mike Munchak shouldn't hesitate to make a quick move.

Prediction

Titans 20, Jaguars 17