Friday Fact or Fiction: Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
By Daniel Lago
Oct 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Going into week 15, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to continue their win streak and end the season as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. The defense has improved substantially over the course of the season and has been the impetus for the team’s current three-game win streak. The Buffalo Bills head into Jacksonville with similar problems on offense but arguably a worse quarterback situation. Despite their offensive struggles, the Bills still present a formidable matchup thanks to a star-studded defense.
Here are some rock solid predictions for Sunday’s game:
Cecil Shorts will have a touchdown: FACT
Cecil Shorts III has had some trouble with drops this year, but he’s been the most productive and dependable receiver all year. He only needs 223 yards over the last three games to break 1,000 yards for the season. He also has a touchdown in each of the last two games. He’ll continue that streak on Sunday against a pretty good Bills secondary.
Mario Williams will have a sack: FICTION
The Bills front seven might be one of the most talented units in all of football with Kyle Williams, Marcell Darius, and Mario Williams all capable of dominating the line of scrimmage. Williams has 13 sacks on the year and is a handful on the edge. Thankfully, the Jacksonville offensive line has improved immensely and has been playing solid football over the last several weeks. Chad Henne has only been sacked twice over the last two games and Austin Pasztor has been terrific over on the right side. He’ll get pressure on the quarterback, but Williams won’t tally a sack on Sunday.
Jordan Todman will get 80+ yards rushing: FACT
With Maurice Jones-Drew doubtful for Sunday’s game, Jordan Todman has to step in and take a bulk of the carries on offense. Todman only has 43 attempts on the year for a 3.2 yard/rush average, but he’s played well when he rotates in for MJD. He’ll make the most of his chance this week and put up a career day against a stout defensive line.
The Jaguars should be favored in this game (they aren’t) because they simply are playing better football right now than the Bills. They’re not an offensive juggernaut, but the Jaguars should score enough to keep the Bills at bay.
Prediction: Jaguars 17 – Bills 13
– Daniel Lago
Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89