Jaguars – Seahawks
Time: 4:25 EST, Sept 22, 2013
Spread: SEA -19
O/U: 41

Odds courtesy of Bovada

The Seattle Seahawks have started the season looking like the Superbowl contender many billed them to be, and the team will have a chance at its first 3-0 start since 2006. Jacksonville is not expected to pose much of a threat, as the team is still deeply entrenched in a rebuild, 0-2, and 19-point underdogs on the road.

Seattle has been dominant largely in part due to their stellar defense. The Seahawks have allowed just 15.3 points per game and given up 306.2 yards per contest. Even against the high powered 49ers, the Seahawks held them to just a field goal last Sunday, while winning 29-3. Colin Kaepernick of San Fran was intercepted three times and managed just 127 yards.

The success of the Seahawks against even very good teams like the 49ers thus far must have many bettors speculating if the lowly Jaguars can even manage to score. The Jags have managed just 11 points through the first two games, and in Week 1 they managed only a safety in the 28-2 trouncing by Kansas City. The Jags rank 4th-to-last in passing yards and 3rd-to-last in rushing yards, and really have nowhere to turn for offense.

Star running back Maurice Jones-Drew is a shadow of his former self and bogged down with a heavy load to carry an offense with so few options. Jones-Drew is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry and the Jags have no other backs to help ease the load off his shoulders. Moreover, he suffered a tendon strain last week so his effectiveness may be limited.

To compound the lack of options in the backfield, Blaine Gabbert has solidified himself as a total disappointment. Gabbert is injured and the Jags will start Chad Henne. The team is certainly hoping for a high pick in this year’s NFL draft to have a shot at Teddy Bridgewater, and at this point Jags fans are more interested in the development of NCAA prospects than any games the team can produce right now. There was even a rally by a small contingent of fans (presumably also Florida Gators fans) to bring Tim Tebow to town to QB the struggling franchise. That’s desperation.

JAC

0-4 ATS in last 4 road; UNDER 4-0 in last 4 after acc. less than 90 yards rushing previous week; 4-0 ATS in last 4 on road vs teams with winning home records

SEA

OVER 4-0 in last 4 after allowing less than 250 total yards previous week; UNDER 8-0 in last 8 Sept; 4-0 ATS in last 4 following SU win.

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