Jaguars Game Preview vs. Packers: Analysis, prediction, TV info

The Jaguars, coming off an overtime loss in Oakland, will travel Green Bay, which looks to remain in the NFC North race.

By Daniel Lewis

Oct 26, 2012 at 9:13 am ET • 2 min read

Jaguars at Packers -- Week 8

Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. (grass, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Spread: Packers by 14.5

Forecast: Temperatures expected in the low-40s, partly cloudy skies, winds around 15 mph

Records: Jaguars (Overall: 1-5, AFC South: 1-1); Packers (Overall: 4-3, NFC North: 1-0)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 14, 2008: Jaguars 20, Packers 16; Dec. 19, 2004: Jaguars 28, Packers 25. Series record: Tied 2-2.

What matters: The Jaguars are desperately looking for a win after a 1-5 start, but travelling to play the Packers -- a team that is playing well after two straight victories -- won’t be easy. Jacksonville appeared headed in the right direction at Oakland last week but saw a 10-point fourth-quarter lead melt away in a 26-23 overtime loss.

Who matters: QB Blaine Gabbert had a tough break at Oakland. He was off to one of his best starts of the season, going 8 for 12 to start for 110 yards and a TD. He had to leave the game with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder and was unable to return. He’s been practicing this week, but coach Mike Mularkey has been tight-lipped about the extent of the injury. Expect him to play, but Gabbert playing at less than 100 percent is a scary thought considering his inconsistencies the past two years. Rashad Jennings will get the start at RB with Maurice Jones-Drew out with a foot injury. Jennings worked as the starter during training camp with Jones-Drew in a contract holdout, but he’s only had 34 carries this season.

Key matchups: Stopping the Packers starts with limiting QB Aaron Rodgers and the WRs. The Jaguars won’t have to deal with WR Greg Jennings (abdominal), but Rodgers is capable of putting up big numbers regardless of who he is throwing to. The Jaguars have been sliced up by Oakland’s Carson Palmer, Chicago’s Jay Cutler and Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton, so their 24^th-ranked passing defense (264.5 yards give up per game) could be in big trouble against a Green Bay team that averages 266.3 passing yards per game.

Injuries of note: Gabbert and Jones-Drew are the two most notable, but LB Daryl Smith (groin) was put on IR (designated to return) after having a setback in practice. S Dwight Lowery (ankle) hasn’t practiced this week and likely won’t play. WR Laurent Robinson passed a concussion test but will be questionable.

Inside stuff: WR Cecil Shorts has 12 receptions, but three led to plays of 34, 42 and 80 yards. Expect him to keep getting more chances. Gabbert and backup QB Chad Henne targeted him 10 times against Oakland last week.

Connections: Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers held the same position in Jacksonville from 1999-2000. Packers offensive coordinator Tom Clement worked under Mularkey in Buffalo from 2004-2005 when Clement was the OC for the Bills and Mularkey was the coach.

Stat you should know: The Packers have won 15 of their past 16 at home. The Jaguars have played better on the road than at home this year. They got their only win at Indianapolis and their other two road games were overtime losses. They’ve lost home games by an average of 25 points.

Looking ahead: The Jaguars will host Detroit next week before taking on a three-week stretch of division opponents -- Indianapolis, Houston and Tennessee.

Prediction: Packers 35, Jaguars 14