Detroit Lions vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

On By Littum

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Since the NFL adopted a 16-game schedule in 1978 (and went to 17 games in 2021), there have been 80 streaks of at least eight games in the league. The San Francisco 49ers have done it nine times. New England Patriots, eight. Even the woeful Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday’s visitors to Ford Field, have done it once (an 11-gamer in 1999).

But not the Detroit Lions; the franchise’s longest streak over that span is seven games, accomplished in 1995 and again this season.

Of course, that could change on Sunday when the 2-8 Jags arrive in town (1 p.m., CBS). Will 8-1 Lions reel off eight straight wins for the first time since the franchise’s first year in Detroit (where the Lions actually won their first 10 games)?

Four Free Press sportswriters have some thoughts on their potential with the Jaguars.

Dave Birkett

Coaches can give all the lip service they want to being the NFL and not taking opponents for granted and the other guys getting paid too. However, the reality is that the Lions may be the best team in the NFL and the Jaguars may be the worst.

The Jaguars have played several close games, including against the Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in the past three weeks, but they also start a backup quarterback and were blown out on the road by the best offense they faced (Buffalo Bills) . If the protection is there, Jared Goff should have a big day and the defense looks poised for another couple of takeaways in a game that should be over by the third quarter. The choice: Lions 38, Jaguars 17.

Carlos Monarrez

After reviewing the details of Jacksonville’s season, I found out. 2-8 The Jaguars stink. And it was even with Trevor Lawrence, who will miss this game. Although “miss” might be the wrong word. This comes down to how easy Dan Campbell wants to make it for owner Shad Khan to fire Doug Pederson in the upcoming bye week. Penei Sewell will catch a touchdown pass, the Lions defense will pick off Mac Jones three times and Pederson will get his walking papers on Monday. The choice: Lions 36, Jaguars 13

Jeff Seidel

This is one of those games where what the Lions do in trying to clean up mistakes will be more important than the end result. Because the lions will win this game. There is little doubt about that. But I think they’re going to concentrate on putting together long, sustained drives, trying to get their offensive rhythm back, trying to find consistency. Which might keep the score down a bit. The choice: Lions 28, Jaguars 10

Shawn Windsor

The Lions haven’t put two good offensive halves together in a while, and while Jacksonville has a good front and a stout defense, Ben Johnson and company are eager to get more out of the offense. Here are bets they make. Meanwhile, the defense continues to roll, taking advantage of Trevor Lawrence’s absence. The choice: Lions 31, Jaguars 16.