Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: How to watch, start time and prediction
Different team. Different time. But it’s back to the scene of the crime for the Chargers, who three years ago succumbed to a 27-point comeback in a playoff loss at Jacksonville.
This season’s Jaguars got off to a 4-1 start but have lost three of their last four to slip back into the pack. They don’t have star rookie Travis Hunter, who underwent surgery this week and will miss the remainder of the season.
The team plays hard for first-year coach Liam Coen, who said he wants quarterback Trevor Lawrence to “cut it loose and let it rip” when he sees opportunities down the field.
Read more:Rookies R.J. Mickens and Nikko Reed proving to be game-changers for Chargers
After opening the season 3-0, the Chargers lost three of four, but are now riding another three-game winning streak. Justin Herbert has been outstanding at times, despite being the most-hit quarterback in the NFL.
The Chargers defense is coming off a gem of a performance in a win over Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers looked every bit of 41 years old, and at one point the Steelers were 0 for 9 on third down.
How the Chargers can win: As usual, protect Herbert behind a patchwork offensive line. Jacksonville has struggled to pressure quarterbacks, especially with Travon Walker at less than full strength and a beat-up secondary. Get the ball to Ladd McConkey and Oronde Gadsden II, with some Keenan Allen mixed in. Don’t allow the Jaguars to control the game with the run.
How the Jaguars can win: Jacksonville can look like a playoff team when it wins at the line of scrimmage but tends to collapse when it gets pushed around. The Jaguars need to establish the run early and grind out some long drives because they do not get a lot of explosive plays. Get to Herbert quickly before he has a chance to attack that weakened secondary. Contain Herbert, too, because he can burn you with his feet.
Key injuries
Chargers: OT Bobby Hart (knee, questionable); WR Quentin Johnston (shin, questionable); FB/DL Scott Matlock (chest, questionable); DB Elijah Molden (knee, questionable); DB Tarheeb Still (knee, questionable).
Jaguars: WR/CB Travis Hunter (knee, out); TE Hunter Long (hip, out); TE Brenton Strange (hip, out); CB Jourdan Lewis (neck, out); WR Brian Thomas (ankle, questionable).
How to watch and listen to Chargers vs. Jaguars
The Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars will play at 10 a.m. PST Sunday at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The game will be shown in Southern California on CBS and Paramount+. It will be available nationally via a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on 640 AM and 105.5 FM (Español).
Betting odds and lines for Chargers vs. Jaguars
Who will win Chargers vs. Jaguars?
Sam Farmer’s pick: Both these teams fluctuate between looking very good and very vulnerable. The Chargers have found ways to win despite a slew of injuries along the offensive line. Watch for the Jaguars to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to Houston in which they were outscored 18-0 in the fourth quarter. Jaguars 27, Chargers 23
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.