The Jacksonville Jaguars traveled to London to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. Like their past international games, they won't be the home team. That could end up giving them an edge.
After all, many of the players who have suited up for the Jags in previous London bouts are still around. That could come in handy when they prepare for Los Angeles, as they know how to deal with jet lag and adjust to the time zone.
Coming off a humbling loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Jaguars are a three-point underdog. Then again, they will have a chance to pull off the upset if players can cut down on puzzling mistakes such as penalties and drops. It will also help that Rams wide receiver Puka Nakua may not suit up. And precisely because of that, an NFL analyst favors Jacksonville to come out on top.
Not having to deal with Puka Nakua will help the Jaguars take off
Ryan Heckman of NFL Spin Zone put together a list of bold predictions for Week 7 and expects the Jaguars to defeat Los Angeles, noting that Matthew Stafford will probably be without Puka Nacua. That will, in turn, allow the Jacksonville defense to contain the Rams quarterback and receiver Davante Adams. Here's the skinny.
"Finally, we look at a passing defense that's seen better days," Heckman wrote. "The Jaguars are the NFL's third-worst in this category, but Matthew Stafford will be missing Puka Nacua in this one."
Heckman continued, "Overseas, where the Jaguars are indeed comfortable, they manage to hold Stafford and Davante Adams in check, allowing the Rams quarterback to total less than 180 passing yards. Oddly enough, Stafford has already finished two games with under 200 passing yards. This will be his third on the year."
But as exciting as the overall prediction is, Heckman left the best for the end. "The Jaguars come away with a big win."
As Heckman noted, Stafford has been held under 200 yards in 2025, against the Baltimore Ravens in the opener and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. It's worth pointing out that the Ravens have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, but still managed to contain the Los Angeles passing game.
For the Jaguars to beat Matthew Stafford and the Rams, a handful of dominoes must fall
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media says that Puka Nacua isn't expected to play. This would be a huge blow for the Rams, as he's their best offensive weapon. The Pro Bowl receiver has been dealing with an ankle injury and missed practice Wednesday. But even without him, Los Angeles is dangerous.
Davante Adams is no slouch, and neither is Jordan Whittenton. Of course, disrupting Matthew Stafford's timing could slow down the Rams passing attack, so Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker must come through and deliver. It will also help if the Jacksonville defense can create a handful of turnovers. After tallying 13 the first four weeks, Anthony Campanile's group has only logged one, albeit a huge one, the past two games. And that's only on defense.
The Jags struggled to block up front in Week 7, giving up 33 total pressures and seven sacks. Things won't get much easier with Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young coming to town.
If Jacksonville wants to pull off the upset, its hog mollies will need to keep Trevor Lawrence upright, the team will need to establish the run, and the receiver will need to come down with the ball, an issue they've been dealing with throughout the season.
But if the Jags check all those boxes, that "bold" prediction will go from a pipe dream to the legitimate outcome of the game.