Jaguars vs Jets prediction and analysis

December 17, 2025
NFL Betting Predictions
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Game Overview

The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) host the New York Jets (3-10) on Sunday afternoon at EverBank Stadium. The posted market has Jacksonville as a large favorite (Jaguars -13.5) with the total at 41.5. Jacksonville arrives on a multi-game winning streak and sits atop the AFC South, while the Jets are mired in a long slump and will again be dealing with a makeshift quarterback situation.

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Key Factors

  • Health and quarterback play: The Jets are expected to start a backup (either Brady Cook or Adrian Martinez) after injuries to their primary options, which limits their vertical passing threat and red-zone efficiency.
  • Running game vs run defense: Jacksonville’s backfield, led by Travis Etienne Jr., is in midseason form and faces a Jets front that has struggled to consistently stop the run all year.
  • Home field and recent form: The Jaguars have been strong at EverBank Stadium and have won several straight, while the Jets have struggled on the road and have lost a majority of their trips this season.
  • Turnover and situational play: Jacksonville’s defense has generated takeaways and the Jaguars have won the turnover battle in recent games — a decisive edge against an offense running a backup QB under pressure.

Matchup Breakdown

Offense — Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence’s efficiency has been good enough to keep defenses honest, and the pairing of Lawrence and Etienne gives Jacksonville a balanced attack. When the Jags establish the run early, they control tempo and convert third downs at a respectable clip. Offense — Jets: With limited pass production this season (on pace for one of the lowest passing-yard averages in the league), the Jets now project to rely heavily on the ground game and short passing to move the chains. That conservative approach makes it difficult to come back if Jacksonville jumps ahead.

Defense — Jaguars: Jacksonville ranks among the league leaders in limiting opponents’ rushing yards and has playmakers who can turn short fields into quick scores. The front can pressure inexperienced quarterbacks and create chaos in the pocket. Defense — Jets: New York’s defense has had flashes but has given up more points than the Jaguars overall; they are vulnerable to explosive plays and struggle to sustain stops late in drives.

Why Jacksonville Covers

  • Mismatch at quarterback: A backup QB against a physical Jaguars front and an aggressive secondary increases the likelihood of turnovers and stalled drives for New York.
  • Run defense dominance: Jacksonville’s ability to bottle up opposing rushing attacks means the Jets will find it hard to control the clock or sustain long drives — particularly without top-end passing capability.
  • Coaching and game management: Doug Pederson’s group has shown consistency in game planning and limiting mistakes, while the Jets have struggled to adjust on offense when their preferred personnel are out.

Betting Angles

The spread of 13.5 is large, but several situational edges justify backing Jacksonville. If the market moves beyond -14, the value shrinks; around -13 to -14 is where I see a comfortable margin. The total at 41.5 looks low given Jacksonville’s recent scoring pace and the Jets’ tendency to give up points in bursts — however, the Jets’ lack of a passing threat could keep the game from ballooning. From a props perspective, backing Etienne for 80+ scrimmage yards and a Jaguars player to score early (first touchdown anytime or first half scoring props) are logical ancillary plays.

Prediction Summary

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Everything lines up for a decisive Jacksonville victory: home-field momentum, a dominant run defense, a reliable rushing attack, and a New York offense hampered by quarterback uncertainty. I expect the Jaguars to control possession, win the turnover battle, and finish comfortably ahead.

Final projection: Jacksonville 31, New York 13 — a 18-point margin.

Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars -13.5