Sep 29, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the sidelines during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Are you a Tennessee Titans enthusiast who finds pleasure in the misery of divisional rivals? Does the idea of an AFC South team heading into Denver, Colorado help you sleep at night? Are you a Jacksonville Jaguars hater whose fantasy matchup includes watching them against the Denver Broncos?
Jaguars vs Broncos. Blaine Gabbert vs Peyton Manning. Two quarterbacks who, according to ESPN Football Scientist KC Joyner, have nearly identical bad-decision ratings in 2012. Manning barely edged out Gabbert, 1.6 percent to 1.7 percent. Jake Locker topped the list at 0.6 percent.
This historical matchup will happen during Week 6 on Oct. 13. By historical, I’m referring to the point spread. According to Sporting News, LVH SuperBook has opened the Jaguars as a 26.5-point underdog. Depending on Week 5 outcomes, that number could change. It’s considered as the largest NFL spread in LVH history.
(Currently, they’re at -26).
Here’s the question for bettors and pick’em spread players: is it high enough to entertain Jacksonville? How much of a chance do the Jaguars have to keep this contest within the 26.5-point range? Here are the results for both teams through Week 4:
Broncos (4-0)
Vs Ravens, 49-27 WIN
At Giants, 41-23 WIN
Vs Raiders, 37-21 WIN
Vs Eagles, 52-20 WIN
Jaguars (0-4)
Vs Chiefs, 28-2 LOSS
At Raiders, 19-9 LOSS
At Seahawks, 45-17 LOSS
Vs Colts, 37-3 LOSS
Typically, the Broncos shut it down around the late third, early fourth quarter. That explains all of those 20-plus scores that the Broncos defense has allowed. With that said, there’s no guarantee that the Jaguars offense is good enough to score against the Broncos defense even if they take it easy.
Let’s hear from the Titan Sized community and anyone who’s visiting this blog. How large would the spread have to get before you sided with Jacksonville? More or less than 26.5? Answer in the poll below and discuss in the comments, Twitter or Facebook.
SOURCES: ESPN, Music City Miracles, Sporting News