The Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills square off in Week 3 in Orchard Park, New York, this Monday night in a matchup that could decide the direction of the Jaguars’ 2024 season.
Can Jacksonville rise up — and finally break out offensively — on prime time against a stout Buffalo defense? Or will Josh Allen and the Bills send the Jaguars to Kansas City in Week 4 staring down an 0-4 start to the season?
The pressure falls squarely on Jacksonville this week. The Jaguars (0-2) have scored just 30 points through two games, tied for fourth-worst in the NFL. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is clearly still building a rapport with new weapons Brian Thomas Jr., the team's first-round draft pick in April, and Gabe Davis, who spent his first four seasons in Buffalo. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk has mysteriously struggled to make an impact in the passing game.
Injuries could be another factor in this matchup. Jacksonville will likely be without tight end Evan Engram, who coach Doug Pederson called “week-to-week” with a hamstring injury on Monday. Top cornerback Tyson Campbell was placed on injured reserve last week with a hamstring issue of his own.
More: Week 3 NFL power rankings: Are Jaguars really among worst teams in the league?
Buffalo lost star linebacker Matt Milano to a biceps injury in August. The Bills (2-0) are also expected to be without starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard for this game with a pec injury.
The Bills are coming off a mini bye week after routing the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football in Week 2. It will take a monumental effort for Jacksonville to pull off the upset on the road, but the Jaguars definitely enter MNF as the more desperate team. Here’s what the experts are saying:
NFL picks, predictions Week 3: Jaguars at Bills
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Bills 30, Jaguars 27
Bender: "The Bills are home as part of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. James Cook has been a great piece in the offense with 198 total yards and three TDs. Trevor Lawrence has passed for just one TD pass through two deflating one-score losses. Jacksonville beat Buffalo 25-20 last season, and they are playing with a sense of desperation here. Josh Allen, however, will deliver in the clutch in a game that will play out a little higher than the over.”
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Bills 24, Jaguars 17
Iyer: "The Bills have looked fantastic in two games with Josh Allen in total control of a more efficient, run-heavy offense and diverse passing game under Joe Brady. Their defensive weakness lies vs. the run and the middle of the field in coverage, but with the way Trevor Lawrence is looking too much downfield, they can put good pressure on him on the road. Meanwhile, Allen will get to flex his deep arm more often vs. an overwhelmed secondary.”
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Bills 30, Jaguars 16
Cluff: "The Bills look like an AFC contender early in the season and will have no problems with a Jaguars team that is averaging 15 points per game.”
Iain MacMillan, Sports Illustrated: Jaguars cover (+5.5)
MacMillan: “Jacksonville's offense hasn't been as bad as the final box scores indicate. The Jaguars have plenty of issues on third down, ranking converting just 26.32% of third downs, and also converting red zone trips to touchdowns, but as a whole, they still rank 16th in Net Yards per Play at +0.2. This could also be a bit of a sell high spot on the Bills who have convinced everyone they're the No. 2 or No. 3 team in the AFC after the first two weeks. I still have concerns about their roster, especially on defense, so I'm not ready to lay 5.5 points on them against a tough Jacksonville team quite yet.”
