6 predictions for Jaguars vs. Bills game

The Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6) are a little more than 24 hours away from hosting the Buffalo Bills (9-7) in their first home playoff game since 1999. There are a bevy of opinions on how we’ll do on Sunday — how does the Big Cat Country team think we’ll do?

Alfie Crow

I’ve felt pretty confident about the Jaguars winning on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills all week, in large part because it’s a great match up for the Jaguars. The Jaguars are the No. 1 run offense and will likely lean on that and the Bills are one of the worst run defenses. While the Bills don’t turn the ball over a lot, thanks in large part of Tyrod Taylor being careful with the ball, the Jaguars defensive line should be more than a handful for the Bills offensive line, especially if LeSean McCoy is limited and can’t be leaned on. I think it’s going to be a struggle for the Bills to do much offensively.

Score: Jaguars win 30-10

Ryan Day

I think the Jaguars will win and that they’ll win handedly. The only facet of the game where the Bills are typically better is quarterback, but I think we get Good Blake tomorrow. He’s been excellent at home, completing more than 64 percent of passes, throwing 15 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions, and leading this team to a 6-2 record at EverBank Field. The run game is rested, Allen Hurns (and maybe Marqise Lee!) will be back, and the defense will be its normal, historically good self.

Score: Jaguars win 27-9

Laurie Fitzpatrick

The Jaguars offense is in for a good test this weekend. Buffalo also has one of the top duo safeties in the league with Hyde and Poyer, who each have 5 interceptions on the season. Buffalo likes to run a lot of zone defense, which will force Bortles to go through his reads and make accurate throws down field. Buffalo’s rushing defense is 29th in the league allowing an average of 124 yards per game. This is why it will be a game on the ground with Leonard Fournette pounding it up the middle and a change of pace with Corey Grant’s speed around the edge. With Jaguars veteran wide receivers back on the field and this defense on a roll they win this game.

Score: Jaguars win 27-14

Zach Goodall

I think this game is going to be a good one until the end (barring any mistakes made early on by Blake Bortles). The Buffalo Bills have a solid run game when LeSean McCoy is healthy and a criminally underrated secondary. However, if the Jaguars can get on top early with Leonard Fournette leading the way and the defense forcing Tyrod Taylor and Co into short drives, Bortles should be able to find success in short zones and this game should go Jacksonville’s way. It’ll be all about momentum.

Score: Jaguars win 24-17

Ryan O’Bleness

I know a lot of people are expecting the Jaguars to blow the Bills out of the water, but I have a different outlook. I have not been impressed with Jacksonville’s play these past two games, and though Buffalo ranks poorly in many defensive categories, the unit causes turnovers, and doesn’t give the ball away on offense. However, the Jags have dominated as the home team this year, going 5-2 at EverBank Field and 1-0 in London. I expect a close, hard-fought game with the Jaguars defense closing the game out in the fourth quarter. I’m just glad I’ll be there to witness it in-person.

Score: Jaguars win 24-17

Jimmy Siettmann

The theme of the season continues on for the Jaguars, and their defense helps guide them to a playoff victory. The Bills struggle to find offense with a hobbled LeSean McCoy, and Bortles limits himself to one turnover on the day.

Score: Jaguars 23-14