Jaguars vs. Steelers: Picks, predictions and odds

In AFC Divisional Round action, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon inside Heinz Field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game last year, but fell just short of the Super Bowl, as they were beaten by the New England Patriots. After earning the No. 2 seed in the AFC this season, and getting a bye last weekend, the team will start their journey back to the conference title game this Sunday. Their opponent will be the Jacksonville Jaguars, who will hit the road to take on the Steelers after beating the Buffalo Bills at home this past weekend.

For Pittsburgh, they could have their star wide receiver back, as Antonio Brown went down late in the regular season with a calf injury. The Steelers were banged up in their AFC title game loss to New England last year, so being at 100 percent the rest of the way is key for them if they want to come out of the AFC. Jacksonville really surprised everybody this season, using an incredible defense to make up for their deficiencies at the quarterback position throughout.

Blake Bortles ran for more yards than he threw for last weekend against the Bills, leading the team to a 10-3 victory in a game that was unwatchable at times. If the Jags want to beat the Steelers, he is going to have to put the ball in the air more, or else it is going to be a long day. Rookie running back Leonard Fournette will also be asked to do more this weekend, as he ran for only 57 yards on 21 carries against Buffalo.

Odds

Line: Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5)

Over/Under: 41.0

The Steelers are big home favorites in this one, and rightfully so, as they should be able to  take care of business against the Jaguars. The over/under is set at 41.0, and that is likely due to the fact that Bortles and the Jaguars offense has struggled in recent weeks. This line will change a lot throughout the week, so head on over to OddsShark.com for any changes up until kickoff.

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Beating Buffalo at home is one thing, but going on the road to beat the Steelers is another. Prior to their win on Sunday, the last playoff win for the Jaguars came back in 2008 against the Steelers on the road, but that won’t happen in this one. Pittsburgh has one mission, and that is to defeat the Patriots and get to the Super Bowl, and they certainly will not let the Jaguars get in their way in the Divisional Round.

Final Score: Steelers 30, Jaguars 17