JAGUARS FAVORED ON ROAD VERSUS BENGALS

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

The Jaguars are road favorites in week seven.
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BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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Despite losing two straight games, the Jaguars are favored on the road against the Bengals in week seven.

Over the last two weeks, the Jaguars lost two heartbreakingly close games to two teams that are rolling. Against the Panthers in week five, the Jaguars lost by seven after failing to find the endzone on their final drive. The same fate befell the Jaguars at home in week six against the Saints, as the Jaguars lost by one score yet again. The combined records of the Saints and Panthers is 9-3, so it's tough to be too disappointed about the losses. 

The Jaguars now prepare to travel to Cincinnati to take on the winless Bengals. Jacksonville (2-4) is favored by 3.5 over Cincy (0-6). Despite not being able to win a game over the first month and a half of the season, the Bengals are playing better lately. Over the last two weeks, they've lost by a combined nine total points. 

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Still, this is a get-right game for the Jaguars if I've ever seen one. The Bengals' defense is atrocious against the run, surrendering 5.3 yards per carry and over 180 yards per game on the ground. They're not much better against the pass, allowing opposing QBs to complete 69% of their passes. 

This is a must-win game for the Jaguars. Doug Marrone and these Jags can't afford to fall to 2-5. That would make it nearly impossible for the Jaguars to reach the playoffs, especially with the Texans and Colts at 4-2 and 3-2, respectively. They wouldn't be mathematically eliminated, of course, but making the playoffs with a 2-5 start to the season is a rare feat.  

If I were a betting man (I'm not), I'd put my money on the Jaguars in this one. It's a team that's desperate for a win and a locker room — outside of Jalen Ramsey — that's sticking together despite the adversity they've faced in 2019. The Jaguars are a more talented team than the Bengals. 

Follow Jordan on Twitter for all the latest Jaguars news and analysis. ​