NFL Sportsbook – Raiders and Jags in Game with Playoff Implications

No NFL Sportsbook in the world saw this one coming! The Oakland Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars are in a playoff hunt and Sunday’s game will go a long way to determine their fate.

The Raiders are coming off an impressive road win against the previously scorching San Diego Chargers while the Jaguars have won four of their last five games culminating with a 17-6 Week 13 win against the Tennessee Titans.

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OAKLAND RAIDERS (6-6) vs. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-5)

Sunday, December 12, 1:00 PM ET

EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Broadcast: CBS

NFL Sportsbook Lines:

Oakland: +4 ½ (-110)
Jacksonville: -4 ½ (-110)

Total: 43 points

The Oakland Raiders have been an NFL Sportsbook mystery in the last month. After three straight wins, they were blown out by Pittsburgh and Miami only to turn around and defeat the San Diego Chargers for the second time this season.

The Raiders have been successful when they can run the ball. Against the Steelers and the Dolphins, the NFL’s third best rushing attack was completely stifled. Against the Chargers last week, the running game generated 251 yards on the ground. This week they will face Jacksonville’s 17th ranked run defense (109.50 yards per game).

The Raiders may have found their “game manager” at quarterback. Jason Campbell was behind center during the Raiders’ hot streak in November and while Oakland has the 28th ranked passing game in the NFL (189.50 yards per game), Campbell’s mobility and his acceptance of the Raiders rushing prowess appears to be a formula for success.

The Raiders have had issues stopping the run defensively this season (23rd ranked – 124.33 yards per game), they are good against the pass and they can generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Philip Rivers was completely out of sync last week thanks to the Raiders ability to get into the Chargers backfield.

It is time for the NFL Sportsbooks to start taking the Jacksonville Jaguars seriously. Their formula for success mirrors the Raiders – hand the ball off and minimize mistakes in the passing game. The Jags have won four of five thanks to stellar play by their running back and limited mistakes by their quarterback.

Jacksonville`s running game has climbed the NFL ladder and has been bolstered by Maurice Jones-Drew`s five straight 100+ yard rushing performances. Jones-Drew now ranks second in the NFL with 1177 yards and has the Jags ranked second in the league with 151.50 yards per game.

David Gerrard and the passing game are 29th ranked (186.92 yards per game) but Gerrard has passed for 17 touchdowns while adding four scores on the ground. If he takes care of the ball and utilizes the Jags best player, Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars usually win.

Jacksonville defense has been bad at times this season but have turned into a “bend, don`t break“ squad. They are 27th against the pass and 17th against the run. The Jags have held four of their last five opponents to under 88 yards rushing.

NFL Sportsbook Outlook:

The Oakland Raiders are 4-2 SU in their last six games and are 2-5 SU in their last seven games on the road. However, the Raiders are 6-2 ATS in their last eight and are 5-1 in their last six games as underdog.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are 5-0 ATS and 4-1 SU in their last five games overall. The Jags are 9-4 SU in their last 13 game at home but are just 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games on home turf.

This game has squeaker written all over it. I just can`t see giving 4 ½ points. The Jags may win this game but I fully expect the Raiders to at least cover.

NFL Sportsbook Pick: Oakland Raiders +4 ½

Be sure to sop by the NFL Sportsbook for all of the up-to-the-minute odds.