The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field in a matchup that could potentially have “game of the week” implications.
The Jaguars’ rising offense led by quarterback Gardner Minshew II will have a tough time on their hands as they take on a talented and well-coached team, led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and head coach Sean Payton.
While the game is expected to be a hard-fought one for the Jags, here are a few bold predictions that could very well happen in Sunday’s matchup versus the Saints:
Leonard Fournette will have over 100 yards
The Saints’ defense has had a reputation of being difficult to run on, however, they rank in the back half of the league (No. 16) in total rushing yards allowed with an average of 108.4 rushing yards allowed per game. They are also tied with the Jags, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Giants in most rushing touchdowns allowed this season with seven.
Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette has been on an absolute tear in his last two games rushing for 333 yards and accumulating a 6.4 yards per carry average. He has had two weeks in a row where he has rushed for 100 or more yards. My prediction is that this trend will continue for the third week in a row.
Teddy Bridgewater will be sacked 4 times and intercepted twice
The Saints do an amazing job of protecting Bridgewater. He has not taken a sack since Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, but the Jaguars are a top-10 ranked unit in generating sacks. This could be the game where they apply pressure to Bridgewater and force him into mistakes. The Saints’ offensive line is littered with Pro Bowlers in Terron Armstead, Larry Warford and Andrus Peat and a talented Ryan Ramcyzk. The Jaguars’ defensive line will have a long day ahead but this will be the game that they find a way to break through and get to the young signal-caller.
Gardner Minshew II will have another game with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions
The rookie who has taken the NFL world by storm is facing his toughest test this season. Minshew has been incredible in his debut season especially after being thrust into the season on a moment’s notice after Jaguars starting quarterback Nick Foles was injured against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.
Minshew has two touchdowns in all but one game this year which was a 13-12 loss against the Houston Texans. He has had two or more touchdowns in three straight games and he will have his fourth straight two-touchdown game against the Saints. Taking care of the ball will also be paramount as he will also have zero interceptions for the fifth consecutive game.
What are your bold predictions for Sunday’s game versus the Saints? Let us know in the comments or check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more Jaguars news and discussion!
