Four weeks into the online NFL betting season, the AFC South is proving to be one of the most predictable divisions in the league. Seeing the Houston Texans lead the division is no surprise, and neither is seeing the Jacksonville Jaguars go 0-3 to start the season. Notwithstanding how terrible that record looks, the Jaguars have been able to play competitively with some of the best teams in the NFL. In Week 1 Jacksonville faced the Green Bay Packers and only lost by 4 points. In that game, late in the 4th quarter, on a 4th and 1, the Jaguars were snuffed of a penalty that would have given them a first-and-goal on the Packers nine-yard line with less than a minute left on the clock. Jacksonville would’ve been in an excellent position to win the game, but instead were robbed of the chance to upset a potential Super Bowl contender. The following week the Jaguars faced the San Diego Chargers and lost by the biggest difference of the year, 14 points. But in Week 3 Jacksonville would once again play competitively against the Baltimore Ravens, only losing last Sunday’s game by 2 points. Heading into Week 4 the Jaguars are desperate for a turnaround, but the Indianapolis Colts aren’t about to cut a divisional rival some slack. Let’s see what kind of chances most football betting sites are giving the Jaguars in Sunday’s contest.
Week 4 – Sunday the 2nd of October
Colts -2½ (-115) 49 (-110) -140
Jags +2½ (-105) 49 (-110) +120
The online NFL betting odds are pegging the Jaguars as the underdogs in this contest, but not by a terrible amount. Just like Jacksonville, Indianapolis hasn’t been drawing too much attention this year. It’s pretty easy to fly under the radar when your team’s record is 1-2. Heading into Sunday’s matchup, Indianapolis is averaging 27 points per game, the 5th highest average in the league. The Jaguars are struggling a bit more in that department, only averaging 18 points per game, ranking them a lousy 27th in the NFL. While the Colts offense is able to put points on the board, their defense is having a hard time keeping their opponents out of the end zone. Currently Indianapolis ranks 30th in the league for points allowed per game with 31.7. Jacksonville is close behind them at 26th with an average of 28 points allowed per game. Despite averaging less than 20 points per game, Jacksonville should have no problem finding the end zone against the Colts Swiss cheese defense. Coupled that with the Colts high-scoring offense and it’s looking like this game will be going over the 49 point threshold for the totals line.
In 2015 the Jaguars were the offense that produced the most plays over 20+ yards, but this season they aren’t looking as explosive. So far this season, Jacksonville is 12th in the league for passing yards per game and 31st for running the ball. Perhaps if the Jaguars were better able to run the ball, lanes would open up in the passing game. The Colts are also struggling on the ground, they currently rank 23rd in the league, albeit, the Colts passing game ranks 9th best in the league.
Neither team will have home field advantage this Sunday, as this the first of several games the NFL has planned to take place in London. Fans looking to tune in will have to do so at 9:35 EST. There’s no doubt that flying to a different country will affect the teams, and the Jags are hoping it’ll be enough to pull off an online NFL betting upset.
