The one-win Jacksonville Jaguars will find themselves taking on another team with the playoffs in their sights as they travel north to take on the Baltimore Ravens. Clearly, when looking at both teams, there is a talent gap, and as a result, many have taken the Ravens to win — and quite convincingly.
This week at Jags Wire, we pretty much agreed with most of the national pundits as none of our writers were bold enough to take the Jags for a win. Here are our thoughts and predictions heading into Week 15’s game:
*Update: Calais Campbell was listed among the Ravens’ Week 15 in actives.
James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Ravens 31, Jaguars 20
It’s as simple as this for me, the Ravens have one of the easier three-game stretches fans will see as they try and move up one seed for a playoff spot. Of course, the Jags are apart of that stretch, as are the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants.
Simply put, they likely view the Jags as a team in their way and are focused on taking care of business Sunday. However, the game won’t come without a fight, especially with the team having six defensive backs on the final injury report. Two of them are Marcus Peters (calf/ questionable) and Jimmy Smith (was ruled out for ribs and shoulder injuries), so Minshew might have some success in his return.
Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Ravens 27, Jaguars 10
The 1-12 Jags take on the quarterback Jay and I were very vocal about wanting back in 2018. They also face off against former Jaguars Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue. Baltimore still has very real playoff aspirations and I don’t expect them to allow a one-win team to stand in their way. Minshew Mania makes its return, but I believe it’s in for a rude awakening. Don’t expect any kind of upset in this instance.
Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis): Ravens 31, Jaguars 20
Minshew Mania is back in full force as Jacksonville faces off against the Baltimore Ravens. Minshew gave the Jags a much-needed spark last weekend and the team looked noticeably better as a result. The question is, will Minshew’s return be enough to get Jacksonville its second win of the season. Against a formidable Baltimore team with Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue at defensive end on defense, it’s tough to see that happening. Ravens take this one.
Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Ravens 31, Jaguars 16
The Jaguars will have another tough task against the toughest run offenses in the NFL. Unfortunately, the Jags rank near the bottom of the league in rush defense. Lamar Jackson should have a field day on the ground.
Will Frost (@willfrost_): Ravens 34, Jaguars 13
The Jaguars opened as 13 point underdogs in this one, and frankly, that feels a bit kind. Lamar Jackson has a game under his belt after recovering from COVID-19 and the Jaguars provide the perfect tonic for the reigning MVP to return to game-breaking form.
The Jaguars may be serious about considering Doug Marrone staying on for 2021 because the team “plays opponents hard,” but it’s going to take every ounce this roster has to remain competitive in this one.
Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Ravens 35, Jaguars 21
The Jaguars head north to face the Baltimore Ravens this week and it will be a reunion of sorts as two key members of the Sacksonville defense (Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue) will take on their former team. The Jags are coming off of a beat down courtesy of the Titans and the Ravens are starting to look like they did last year. On paper, this looks to be a disaster for the Jags but this team has proved that despite their record they’re one of the more difficult teams to beat. Expect another solid performance from James Robinson as he continues his rookie of the year campaign. Still, the Jags will fall to the Ravens Sunday.