The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars will face off in Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season at Wembley Stadium in London. The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Entering the game, the Falcons are 2-1, and the Jaguars are 1-2. The Falcons are coming off a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 3, while the Jaguars are coming off a hard-fought loss to the Washington Commanders.
Falcons Offense
The Falcons’ offense is led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has had a solid start to the season. Mariota has thrown for 717 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions. He has also rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown. When considering the Atlanta Falcons odds, it’s clear that Mariota’s rendition is a key factor to watch.
Mariota’s top targets are wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. London has 19 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown in three games. Pitts has 14 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown.
The Falcons also have a strong running game, led by rookie running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson has rushed for 277 yards and three touchdowns in three games.
Falcons Defense
The Falcons’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this season. The Falcons have allowed just 18.3 points per game, which is good for fourth in the NFL.
The Falcons’ defense is led by linebacker Rashaan Evans and safety Richie Grant. Evans has 21 tackles and two sacks in three games. Grant has 20 tackles and an interception in three games.
Jaguars Offense
The Jaguars’ offense is led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is entering his third season in the NFL. Lawrence has had a mixed start to the season, throwing for 645 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions.
Lawrence’s top targets are wide receiver Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram. Kirk has 16 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns in three games. Engram has 12 catches for 123 yards in three games.
The Jaguars also have a strong running game, led by running back James Robinson. Robinson has rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown in three games.
Jaguars Defense
The Jaguars’ defense has been a disappointment this season. The Jaguars have allowed 25.0 points per game, which is good for 27th in the NFL.
The Jaguars’ defense is led by linebacker Travon Walker and defensive lineman Josh Allen. Walker has 13 tackles and two sacks in three games. Allen has 11 tackles and two sacks in three games.
Falcons vs. Jaguars Head-to-Head
The Falcons and Jaguars have met 23 times in their history, with the Falcons leading the series 13-10. The Falcons have won the last four meetings between the two teams.
Falcons vs. Jaguars Keys to Victory
Falcons:
Protect Marcus Mariota. The Falcons’ offensive line has been solid this season, but they will need to have a good game against the Jaguars’ pass rush.
Get Bijan Robinson involved. Robinson has been a bright spot for the Falcons’ offense this season. He is a physical runner who can break tackles and make big plays.
Force Trevor Lawrence into mistakes. Lawrence has been known to make careless throws at times. The Falcons’ defense needs to capitalize on those mistakes and create turnovers.
Jaguars:
Keep Trevor Lawrence upright. The Jaguars’ offensive line has been a problem this season. They need to give Lawrence time to throw the ball and make plays.
Get James Robinson going. Robinson is a talented running back who can be a difference-maker for the Jaguars’ offense.
Force Marcus Mariota into mistakes. Mariota has also been known to make careless throws at times. The Jaguars’ defense needs to capitalize on those mistakes and create turnovers.
Prediction
The Falcons are the better team on paper and are coming off a bye week. The Jaguars are coming off a tough loss to the Commanders and will be without their starting left tackle, Cam Robinson.
The Falcons are favored by 3 points in this game, with the odds being in their favor to cover the spread. I predict that the Falcons will win the game by a score of 27-20.