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Jaguars vs Saints preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Cody Williams

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; [Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) prepares to throw the ball in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; [Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) prepares to throw the ball in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are essentially playing to find out their draft position at this point in the season having been eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are basically in the same boat, though they haven’t been mathematically ousted from the postseason just yet. The two teams will square off in Week 16 inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Drew Brees and the Saints offense have been predictably solid for most of the season, but their defense has been far too porous for that to matter. The likes of Brees, Brandin Cooks, and Tim Hightower are going to need to put up a big day to negate what their defense is seemingly inevitably going to give up. Blake Bortles and the Jaguars have been sneaky dangerous for most of the season, particularly throwing the ball to the likes of Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Against the Saints’ defense, they could have a monster day at the office in Week 16.

Next: Best Live Stream Sites On The Internet

Details for Sunday’s game are below:

Date: Sunday, Dec. 27
Start Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: New Orleans, LA
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
TV Info: CBS
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket
Radio: Here
Ticket information: For New Orleans Saints ticket info click here. For Jacksonville Jaguars ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

The key for the Jaguars is going to be the same as it’s been all season and that is the performance of Blake Bortles. Bortles has really put together a nice season and has shown major improvement in terms of his ability to move the ball downfield with his arm. Against a Saints defense that has been more than generous in terms of conceding a ton of yardage through the air this year, Bortles has to be locked in and take advantage of a favorable matchup while limiting his mistakes and turnovers.

Drew Brees is obviously important to the Saints’ success any time that the team takes the field, but running back Tim Hightower is the X-factor for this game. The Jaguars have been relatively awful in stopping the run and, if Hightower can get the ball moving in the New Orleans rushing game, that will open up things even more for Brees and the passing game and essentially give the potent Saints offense the opportunity to have their way at home.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Saints -3
Moneyline: Saints -175, Jaguars +155
O/U: 51.5

Prediction

With how terrible both of these defenses can be at times, this one is more than likely going to wind up being a shootout where each team puts a big number on the scoreboard. That being said, I have a little more faith in the Jaguars defense to make a stop at some point in this game than I do the atrocious Saints defense, which ultimately gives Jacksonville the edge.

Final Score: Jacksonville Jaguars: 38, New Orleans Saints: 34

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