Los Angeles Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars, early hours Sun UK, 01.15am, TIAA Bank Field
AFC playoff action for UK night-owls tonight!
The Jags (9-and-8) took the South, while the Chargers (10-and-7) hunted up the Chiefs at a respectable distance in the West. A tight contest in anticipated, as both look to extend deeper into the season. Betting; Chargers 10/13, Jags 11/10. Spread, Chargers -2.5 @ 20/21, Jags +2.5 @ 20/23. Game total points, 47.5.
The Jags are on a win streak of 5, a terrific run to cement their spot as Division winners. QB Trevor Lawrence is carving quite a reputation for himself, and as far as the season’s offensive stats go there’s precious little to separate these sides.
On the other side of the ball both are less potent but the Jags are most efficient defending against the run. LA have dangerman Austin Ekeler to carry the proverbial rock, so Jacksonville will need to bring their A game to keep him at bay. QB Justin Herbert is another fine young talent who needs to be tamed – if possible.
The Jags have home field. They’re on a great run. LA produced plenty late in the season themselves to get here, but I can’t escape a gut feeling that Lawrence will orchestrate a famous victory in front of the adoring faithful. I’ll be burning the post-midnight oil in anticipation of an absolute belter – will you?
Selection – Jacksonville Jaguars to win @ 11/10. Spread, Jags +2.5 @ 20/23. Game total points under 47.5 @ 10/11
