Jaguars vs. Steelers: Preview, score prediction for Week 5

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

With one more win this season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will equal their victory total of 2016. There’s little doubt that there’s been a change of attitude with the franchise and this is a program that could finally be headed in the right direction (hello, director of football operations Tom Coughlin).

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to lead the AFC North and come off an important win at Baltimore over the battered Ravens. Can the Black and Gold fend off Doug Marrone’s upset-minded club?

Here’s what’s in store for Week 5 at Heinz Field

Keys to Victory

A quick glance at the rankings and you will see that no team in the league is allowing more rushing yards per game than the Jaguars. In case you felt that last week’s performance saw the Jets run on Jacksonville for 256 yards was a bit of a fluke, this defense also gave up big numbers vs. the Titans (179) and Ravens (134). That is bad news if Doug Marrone’s club gets a dose of the same Le’Veon Bell that we saw last week against the Ravens. The five-year pro totaled 35 carries for 144 yards and a pair of scores and totaled four receptions for 42 yards in the 26-9 win.

Meanwhile, it’s also worth noting that the Steelers’ pass rush has already produced 15 sacks in four games. On the other hand, Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles has fallen just three times during the club’s 2-2 start. Can Keith Butler’s club get to the fourth-year quarterback consistently on Sunday?

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Pittsburgh -10
Moneyline: Jacksonville -135, Pittsburgh +115
Over/Under: 44

Odds via Sportsbook Review

Prediction

Slowly but surely, the defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers is beginning to round into form. Only the Denver Broncos have allowed fewer total yards per game this season. And yes, we saw the Chicago Bears gouge the Black and Gold for 222 yards on the ground two weeks ago. But keep in mind that in their other three contests, all wins, Tomlin’s team has surrendered a combined 230 rushing yards.

Nonetheless, the Steelers will be getting a big-time dose of Jaguars’ rookie running back Leonard Fournette. And that will be a significant challenge for Keith Butler’s unit. But in the end, Bortles has proven to be far too unpredictable. But Pittsburgh will be tested here.

Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers: 20, Jacksonville Jaguars: 7

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