Jacksonville @ Atlanta preview

Jacksonville at Atlanta

Last Meeting ( Aug 29, 2019 ) Atlanta 31, Jacksonville 12

Teams searching for positives to take into the offseason after disappointing campaigns square off Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although both are out of the playoff picture, the Falcons are aiming for a third consecutive victory, while the Jaguars are trying to make it two straight.

The Jaguars found something to build on last week, snapping a five-game losing streak with a 20-16 victory at Oakland, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a front office shakeup Wednesday as Tom Coughlin was fired as executive vice president of football operations. “Blinders on, going ahead,” Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone told reporters. “I don’t want any excuses from the coaches or the players about distractions, or what may be going on.” The Falcons have won two straight and four of their last six after a stunning 29-22 win at San Francisco last week. Atlanta is 2-5 at home but blew out Carolina in its last game on its own turf.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Atlanta -7. O/U: 46.5

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (5-9): Jacksonville’s offense continued to sputter in the win over the Raiders, failing to crack 300 total yards for the third straight game. Rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew didn’t put up big numbers, but put the Jaguars in position to win, throwing two touchdown passes without an interception. The issue for Jacksonville’s defense has been stopping the run - it ranks 29th in the league - and has allowed at least 195 rushing yards in three of its past five games.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (5-9): Atlanta’s defense continued its second-half resurgence with a strong showing against the 49ers, allowing 313 total yards and forcing two turnovers. The Falcons have 12 takeaways in their past five games, and they’re plus-6 in turnover margin over that stretch. The offense was able to do just enough to beat San Francisco, but Matt Ryan and the league’s No. 4 passing game should be poised to bounce back, especially if the Falcons can establish the run against a porous Jacksonville defensive front.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Jaguars have been outgained by six consecutive opponents.

2. Ryan needs 231 passing yards to reach 4,000 for the ninth consecutive season.

3. Jacksonville WR DJ Chark needs 44 receiving yards to become the team’s first 1,000-yard receiver since 2015.

PREDICTION: Falcons 24, Jaguars 20