49ers vs. Jaguars: Point Spread Preview
With a four-game winning streak heading into today’s match-up against the Jacksonsville Jaguars in London, the San Francisco 49ers certainly have things rolling and since the Jags haven’t come close to winning a game this year, there’s a very good chance San Fran’s positive momentum will only keep building after a win today. However, the question for bettors wagering on the point spread is not whether the 49ers will win or not, but rather: Can the Niners cover 17 points at a neutral site today?
Although the winless Jags have suffered their fair share of lopsided defeats this season, they notably covered the largest spread of the year (28 points) against the Denver Broncos two weeks ago, when Denver was unquestionably the league’s hottest team. This week, that distinction may belong to San Fran, a team that has scored more than 30 points in each of its last four wins.
To slow down the Niners’ high-powered offense, the Jags will need to limit San Fran’s production on the ground, which has been difficult for every opponent the 49ers have faced. However, it will be particularly challenging for the Jaguars, who come into today’s game ranked dead last in the NFL in defending the rush, allowing 153.3 yards per game.
The numbers certainly point to the likelihood that the 49ers will score plenty of points today, but the Jags can still cover the spread if they muster up some offense of their own. Unfortunately, Jacksonville doesn’t have much firepower on that side of the ball either, as it also ranks last in the league in rushing offense with a measly 63 yards per game. Considering the Jags have only scored 20 or more points once all year, it’s unlikely they’ll put up more 15 against a stout 49ers defense.
But what about the game being held in at Wembley Stadium in London? Will the fact that it’s being played at a neutral site help the Jags in any way? At least the Jaguars won’t have a hostile road crowd to deal with, but considering the 49ers have played at Wembley before (2010) and the Jags haven’t until today, you could say it’s another advantage for the defending NFC champions.
Some would like to think that an NFL team – no matter how poor – could avoid a 17-point (or worse) beating on a given Sunday, but the Jaguars have simply been that bad this season. Couple their ineptitude with the 49ers’ hot streak and you get a recipe for disaster for the Jaguars today. Take the 49ers to cover -17 in this one.
