Jaguars Vs. Raiders Preview: Draft Position On The Line In Late-Season Matchup

Corey Hansford
Corey Hansford
4 Min Read
Dec 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) throws the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The players on either team won’t want to hear it, but the thing on the minds of fans of both sets of fans will be the draft position as the Las Vegas Raiders host the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Raiders are currently tied for the worst record in the NFL with the New York Giants at 2-12, but the Jaguars aren’t much better at 3-11, and the result of this game will have a major effect on the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Of course, where the team will draft next year is the last thing on the minds of the players on the field, and that has been clear for the Raiders, who have continually played hard for head coach Antonio Pierce, even as they have struggled to end this losing streak. One thing that should help is the likely return of quarterback Aidan O’Connell, as the offense has looked at its best with him under center.

If there is a defense to get this offense going, it is the Jaguars, as they rank dead last in the NFL in passing yards and total yards allowed while also having the fewest takeaways in the league. Brock Bowers is coming off back-to-back games of just three catches and 45 or fewer yards so a bounceback game for the stellar rookie could be in play even though teams are keying in on him more at this point.

Jakobi Meyers has thus benefitted from all of the attention Bowers is getting and will continue to be key, but the Raiders’ run game took a hit with the injury to Sincere McCormick, which seems to be a season-ending one. Getting something going on the ground is so crucial and greatly benefits O’Connell and the rest of the offense, so Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah will once again be relied on.

Defensively, the Raiders face a Jaguars offense that has been decimated by injuries, including to star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, leaving Mac Jones as the man under center. But they still have some weapons that the Raiders must key in on, primarily outstanding rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas just ran roughshod over the New York Jets with over 100 yards and two touchdowns and is more than capable of exploding for huge plays if the Raiders slip up. Additionally, the duo of Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne in the backfield is a good one who can gash teams. With the Raiders down Maxx Crosby, not to mention many others along the defensive line, Adam Butler will have to lead the way up front to keep this run game in check.

This Raiders team has been playing hard, and the Jaguars present their best chance to pick up a victory they have earned. Even if it might do damage to their offseason plans the Raiders, if they remain locked in, deserve to get a big win and end this losing streak.

Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11)

1:25 p.m. PT, Sunday, December 22, 2024
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: CBS

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Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.