Jaguars vs. Raiders 2024, Week 16

JACKSONVILLE – Each week during the 2024 season, the Jaguars’ “experts” – Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, JP Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – analyze the Jaguars’ matchup the following day.

The Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Frank Frangie, radio voice of the Jaguars

• The Jaguars will win if: They continue to target Brian Thomas Jr. and find the same offensive rhythm they did a week ago. But they have to prevent big games like the one that was their undoing a week ago. Mac Jones has found some groove, but he needs to stay away from the big late-game mistakes.
• The Raiders will win if*:* They can force some mistakes from the Jaguars and take care of the ball themselves. They also need to clean up the sloppy special teams, especially last week.
• As Frangie sees it*:* These are two struggling teams, both with backup quarterbacks. But I think the Jags have the better of the two teams here. And they played with great energy a week ago. If they play with that energy this week, they will win the game.

Jeff Lageman, Jaguars analyst and former Jaguars defensive end

• As Lageman sees it: The Jaguars will win if they continue to secure the ball for Brian Thomas Jr. BTJ is the best player the Jags have on the field and by far the guy who seems to fire up the team like no other.
• The Raiders will win if: They can force three takeaways and give their struggling offense additional options. Vegas doesn’t run the ball well, has inconsistencies at the quarterback position and needs all the help he can get.
• As Lageman sees it: This game won’t hold much interest unless you’re a die-hard fan, but two talented newcomers are what I think make this game worth watching. Brian Thomas Jr. and Brock Bowers are two top-notch rookies who are both reaching 1,000 yards and hitting other milestones that are very impressive. Get your popcorn ready so these two can rewrite some records.

Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director

• The Jaguars will win if: They reached the 20 point mark again. The Jaguars’ offense looked much better last Sunday, but the defense couldn’t contain the Jets. I think 20 points against this struggling Raiders team is enough. The offense is playing pretty good football overall and will have a chance to control this game.
• The Raiders will win if: You make a trick play or a special teams play. This is the time of year when teams throw caution to the wind. The Jaguars had a fake punt against the Jets last week. Las Vegas will need to steal a possession or make an unusual play to beat the Jaguars this afternoon.
• As Martineau sees it: It’s hard to say that the Jaguars are much better than anyone else right now, but in this case, there’s a lot more to like about the Jags than the Raiders. Las Vegas wasn’t great at the start of the season and has now lost a lot of players to injuries. The Jags have their own injuries, but their substitutions have become routine. I think the Jags win and it’s not that close. Jags pick up their fourth win with a 24-13 win.

John Oehser, senior writer at jaguars.com

• The Jaguars will win if: They start quickly and quarterback Mac Jones avoids important turnovers. The Jaguars’ offense has shown some life in recent weeks, with a focus on rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. You have to continue in this spirit.
• The Raiders win if: They play with the same heart and passion that they have shown in recent weeks. These are two teams that have played with professionalism and pride recently. The team that shows the most on Sunday could be it
• Oehser sees it like this: This is a game the Jaguars should win. The concern: They’re heading to the West Coast at the end of a long, disappointing season. When they are sleeping and unmotivated, such games can cause problems