Hard-luck Jaguars can cover big spread
JAGUARS (4-9) at FALCONS (8-5), 8:20 p.m.
TV:NFL Network.
Radio: WFAN (660).
Falcons by 11 1/2; O/U: 42 1/2
Imagine being on the Jaguars this season. First, you had a 1 in 2 chance of being put on the injured reserve list. The Jags sent their 26th and 27th players to the IR from their original 53-man roster, on Monday. Next, you've watched your longtime coach, Jack Del Rio, get fired on Nov. 29. Now, you're playing your third game in 11 days. Some season, huh? Still, the Jags are coming off their best win of the season last week, 41-14, over Tampa Bay in a game in which they forced a season-high seven turnovers. Double-digit underdogs are 17-12-2 against the spread (ATS) this season. Atlanta (5-7-1 ATS) keeps their wild-card hopes alive, but no cover.
THE PICK: Jaguars
RONIS' FANTASY TAKE: Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew has at least 118 total yards in five consecutive games and has 23 of his 35 receptions in that span. Despite the Falcons' fifth-ranked run defense, Jones-Drew is a must-start. Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez are solid starts against an injury-riddled Jaguars' defense.
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