The NFL playoffs are upon us and wild card weekend can be residence to some unbelievable matchups. Maybe no contest can be more scrutinized than Saturday night time’s showdown that includes the Los Angeles Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jags took the league by storm within the second half of the season, and have gone from having the worst document in soccer to the champions of the AFC South. The work head coach Doug Pederson has completed to revive soccer in Jacksonville has left the Tremendous Bowl-winning coach as a finalist for the coach of the yr award.
Los Angeles is coming into their contest in opposition to Jacksonville in a a lot completely different tone. Whereas ending their four-year playoff drought with Justin Herbert ought to have been trigger for celebration, the crew performed their starters and suffered key accidents in a meaningless Week 18 loss to Denver. Now the crew heads to Duval with a a lot more reserved tone.
We’ve got every part you must find out about this marquee NFL playoff matchup here.
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
Sport Particulars:
- Location: TIAA Financial institution Area
- Time: Saturday, January 14th at 8:15 pm – ET
- Channel: NBC
Betting Stats:
- Unfold: LAC -1.5
- Moneyline: LAC ML (-135) JAX ML (+115)
- Over/Below: 47.5
Matchup Preview:
Saturday night time’s contest can be all concerning the quarterbacks. Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence are two of the brightest younger signal-callers the NFL has. Each of their 2022-23 campaigns have been nothing wanting spectacular.
Lawrence has been the highest-rated quarterback for the reason that center of the season and has come by within the clutch in key moments. Herbert alternatively has shrugged off not making the playoffs his first two seasons and has led his crew to the playoffs for the primary time in his profession. Having the ability to take action a lot of the yr with out Mike Williams and Keenan Allen has been past spectacular.
Whereas the quarterbacks would be the prime gamers to look at, the teaching matchup can be simply as intriguing. Doug Pederson has a powerful historical past of playoff success and has completed an unbelievable job of legitimizing the Jaguars’ offense.
Staley is more of a defensive coach however his in-game calls have been closely scrutinized all through his tenure. By enjoying the starters final week, the Chargers can be down Mike Williams with a fracture in his back. It’s left Staley as an NFL pariah and left the Chargers questioning if they’ve the precise coach to guide their crew.
In brief, the sport has develop into a must-win for Los Angeles whereas the Jaguars have little strain truly on them.
Gamers to Watch
Travis Etienne
The Jaguars’ multi-purpose again has been a serious motive for Jacksonville’s turnaround this season. Etienne has over 1,000 yards dashing and 300 yards receiving and has helped present Lawrence’s true potential at quarterback. He’ll be known as upon so much to get by the Chargers’ protection.
Joey Bosa
The NFL is an easy sport at occasions. For instance, beating a younger pocket passer like Lawrence means getting constant strain on him all through the sport. Fortunate for the Chargers, they possess two of the highest go rushers within the NFL. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are two extraordinarily gifted go rushers and will make like tough for Lawrence to set his toes. If Bosa has a giant sport, the Chargers ought to have the ability to win.
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