Jacksonville Jaguars Underdogs to Buffalo Bills at Home Despite 3 Game Win Streak

Dec 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) tries to block a pass from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) during the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars are owners of the longest win streak in the AFC and winners of four out of their last five games. Despite their resurgence, the Buffalo Bills opened as 2.5-point favorites in Vegas on the road against the Jaguars.

The Buffalo Bills are coming off of a thorough thrashing at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and are a total mess at quarterback. With the way the Jaguars are playing, why are the Bills still favored to win on the road?

Despite their struggles on offense, the Bills have one of the better all-around defenses in the league. The Bills front seven is formidable with the likes of Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus, and Mario Williams all playing terrific football. Rookie linebacker Kiko Alonso has been outstanding and is a leading candidate for defensive rookie of the year. Free Safety Jairus Byrd continues to play well and is one of the better back-end players in the NFL.

Offensively, the Bills are an entirely different story. Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller make up arguably the best running back tandem in the NFL, but Spiller hasn’t managed to stay on the field. The Bills have some weapons at receiver, but the three-headed monster of E.J. Manuel, Jeff Tuel, and Thaddeus Lewis might comprise the worst quarterback situation in the NFL.

So does Vegas really think the Jaguars are going to lose to this Bills team on Sunday? My gut says no. I think the line favors the Bills because the public perception is still that the Jaguars are the worst team in the league. While the Jaguars may have the least talent in the NFL, they might be playing the hardest. Head coach Gus Bradley has this team focused and ready every game, and offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch has done a terrific job somehow scoring points despite the quarterback situation.

Ignore the lines and who is favored – the Jaguars should win this game.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89