Free Press sports writers give their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ game Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m., Fox):
Dave Birkett
The Lions and Jaguars are mirror images in some ways. They’re both young, ascending teams playing better than their 4-7 records would indicate, but their margin for error remains slim as they chase the playoffs. The Jaguars are riding high after their upset of the Ravens, and Trevor Lawrence looks like he’s turned a corner with six touchdown passes and no interceptions the past three weeks. Their point production has been spotty, however, and their defense has struggled away from home. The Lions have their own defensive issues, especially against the run. But they’re the better, more talented team, and this is the type of game they should win if their rebuild is truly on track. The pick: Lions 28, Jaguars 21.
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Carlos Monarrez
The Jaguars are riding high after beating the Baltimore Ravens for their best win of the season, which gave them two victories in three games. Their offense can be explosive under improving quarterback Trevor Lawrence, especially when running back Travis Etienne is healthy. But they’re still a 4-7 team and haven’t won on the road since September. The pick: Lions 27, Jaguars 22.
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Jeff Seidel
Lawrence is the X-factor in this game. Will he continue to improve at the current rate? Or will the Lions get some pressure on him and force him to make mistakes? I expect Ford Field to be loud and rockin’. I expect the Lions to get some turnovers. And I expect the Lions to take another step forward. Of course, that’s precisely when they will lose, at least historically, but I’m picking the Lions. The pick: Lions 31, Jaguars 28.
Trevor Lawrence is the X-factor in this game. Will he continue to improve at the current rate? Or will the Lions get some pressure on him and force him to make mistakes? I expect Ford Field to be loud and rockin’. I expect the Lions to get some turnovers. And I expect the Lions to take another step forward. Of course, that’s precisely when they will lose, at least historically, but I’m picking the Lions. The pick: Lions 31, Jaguars 28.
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Shawn Windsor
The Jaguars may be down in the standings, but they’ve been relatively competitive this season, including staying with Kansas City two weeks ago and beating Baltimore last week. Their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, is starting to sling it. The Lions, meanwhile, believe they still have a shot at the playoffs. Expect them to play like at it home. The pick: Lions 27, Jaguars 23.