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Bills Aim to Maintain AFC East Lead vs. Jaguars

The Jaguars and the Bills will both be trying to pick up a win when they battle at Highmark Stadium.

(Photo by Getty Images) Josh Allen

Jacksonville (0-2-0) at Buffalo (2-0-0)

  • When: Sep 23 2024, 7:30 PM
  • Where: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
  • Where to watch: ESPN

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills
Moneyline

Jacksonville Jaguars   +205
Buffalo Bills   -245

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills
Point Spread

Jacksonville Jaguars   5.5 (-110)
Buffalo Bills   -5.5 (-110)

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills
Total

Over   46.0 (-105)
Under   46.0 (-115)

Key Players:
Jacksonville: Trevor Lawrence 382 Yds
Buffalo: Josh Allen 371 Yds

Team Stats

Jaguars   Bills
0-2 Record 2-0
0-1 Away & Home 1-0
1-1-0 ATS 1-1-0
0-2-0 O/U 1-1-0

Last Matchup:
JAX 25-20, October 8th, 2023

Game Preview

Von Miller is emphasizing a calm approach in Buffalo, urging his Bills teammates not to get ahead of themselves despite an unexpected 2-0 start.

“We need to focus on playing, not on our emotions,” the veteran edge rusher said. “A true measure of a person is how they handle success.”

In Jacksonville, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is hoping to shift his mindset after expressing frustration following an 18-13 loss to Cleveland, which has left the struggling Jaguars questioning their performance at 0-2.

“It’s tough to be upset and eager to get back out there. That’s one of the worst feelings about losing, especially when you don’t play well,” Lawrence said Thursday.

“How can we improve instead of just being frustrated by the outcome? How do we turn this into a learning opportunity?” he added. “That’s where the urgency comes in.”

While it may be early to assess either team as they head into Week 3, their Monday night matchup could significantly impact their respective paths.

The Bills, four-time defending AFC East champions, have exceeded lowered expectations and validated their decision to revamp their roster, which lost six of eight captains during the offseason.

“Everyone eats” was the offseason mantra for a Josh Allen-led offense, which lacked a reliable receiving option after trading Stefon Diggs to Houston and losing Gabe Davis to Jacksonville. This principle also applies to a defense that has remained resilient, relying on backups to step in for injured starters: linebackers Matt Milano (torn left biceps) and Terrel Bernard (pectoral), and cornerback Taron Johnson (right forearm).

Buffalo followed a lackluster season-opening win over Arizona with a strong 31-10 victory against Miami.

“All we care about is winning, no matter how we achieve it,” Allen stated. “So this doesn’t surprise us. This is what we expect … We’re focusing more on the process than the outcome right now.”

In contrast, Jacksonville’s progress has been hindered by a faltering, mistake-prone offense, compounded by injuries.

Lawrence has completed just 51% of his passes with one touchdown and has been sacked seven times, including once for a safety in the previous game. Travis Etienne has contributed the Jaguars’ two other touchdowns, both on the ground, but he also lost a fumble near the goal line that allowed Miami to mount a comeback from a 14-point deficit in a 20-17 win.

Lawrence has lost eight consecutive starts dating back to last season, with the Jaguars’ only victory during that span coming against Carolina on December 31, a game he missed due to a sprained shoulder.

“I don’t dwell on the past seasons. We’ve lost our first two games this year, and that’s what matters,” Lawrence said. “We’ve had a few days to reflect and regroup, and now we’re ready to take on Buffalo.”

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NFL Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Buffalo 24-20
Expert Pick: Jacksonville +5½ & Under 46 (-115)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $357

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