5 Predictions for Jaguars Vs. Packers: Robinson Runs Wild

We think James Robinson is in for a big week against the Packers -- along with a host of other predictions.

In fewer than 24 hours, the 1-7 Jacksonville Jaguars will attempt to shock the NFL and topple the 6-2 Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. 

Do we think the Jaguars are able to pull off the monumental upset? Who do we think performs well in the win or the loss? We break down all of our individual predictions for Packers-Jaguars here.

James Robinson records 140 yards from scrimmage and scores twice ...

Is there any game the rest of the season that screams "feed James Robinson" more than this game? The Jaguars just saw Robinson rush for 99 yards and a touchdown with consistently stacked boxes against Houston, so there is no reason to think they don't turn to him again against a similarly week rush defense and a bad week of weather.

The Weather Channel currently projects rain and winds that could occasionally reach 40 miles per hour in Green Bay tomorrow. With a rookie quarterback making his second start, the Jaguars would be wise to give Robinson a large workload both as a rusher and a receiver against a team that is allowing 4.5 yards per carry in 2020. Robinson has had huge games in the last two weeks, and we think this repeats itself at Lambeau Field. 

... But Davante Adams also scores twice

While we think James Robinson has a big day on Sunday, we think the Jaguars are equally unable to stop Packers star receiver Davante Adams. The best receiver in football this year, Adams has dominated every cornerback and every secondary he has seen this year. Considering the Jaguars are giving up a league-leading 8.1 net yards per pass attempt, it is hardly a hot take to say Adams could be in line for a big day. 

But when you add in the hot streak Adams has been since he returned from injury in Week 6, it makes us confident that he will find the end zone twice against a Jaguars team that has struggled to slow down passing attacks and No. 1 receivers all season. In the last four games alone, Adams has caught 36 passes for 483 yards and six touchdowns, which is better numbers than many receivers have put up in nine games in 2020. 

DJ Chark and Keelan Cole each catch at least 6 passes

We predicted DJ Chark would have a bounceback game against the Texans due to Bradley Roby's absence last week and that clearly came to fruition as Chark had one of the best games of his career. With Green Bay's top two cornerbacks not a lock to play (Jaire Alexander is doubtful, Kevin King is questionable) we think Jacksonville's top two healthy receivers will share in the passing game wealth on Sunday. 

Green Bay's secondary has impressed throughout the season, but Chark and Cole have beat up on other solid secondaries this season as well. With Jake Luton in his first road start and with high winds, we think the Jaguars attempt to get DJ Chark and Keelan Cole the ball on short, quick-hitting passes to utilize their yards after the catch ability. This may not lead to major yards, but we think it will be a high volume of targets. 

Aaron Rodgers completes a touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis

Is this one really in any doubt? We think the term "revenge game" is likely overblown in most cases and this one is no different, plus Marcedes Lewis has never seemed like the vindictive type. With that said, we think the Packers will be in a comfortable enough lead to allow the former Jaguars great to get a score in against his old team. 

The Packers have raved about Lewis since he signed with the team following his release from the Jaguars in 2018 -- especially quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has already said he would love to see Lewis score this week. Lewis has caught two touchdowns on four receptions this year, while the Jaguars have allowed 33 receptions for 464 yards (14.06 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns to tight ends in eight games this season. Really, all signs point to Lewis finding the end zone at least once this Sunday.

Jaguars keep it close at the half but lose 38-17 

The Jaguars have more or less kept games close until halftime this season. Even in their seven-game losing streak, they have been able to stay in the game for the first two quarters. With a strong running game and the lack of healthy cornerbacks for Green Bay, we think this happens once again this week and the Jaguars enter halftime down by six points or fewer. 

With that said, the Jaguars have consistently fallen apart on both sides of the ball in the second halves of games and there is no reason to think that won't happen vs. a more talented, more disciplined and better coached Packers team. This may not be the blowout many expect, but we don't expect a Jaguars win, either.