Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars Matchup Preview 12/8/19: Analysis, Depth Charts, Daily Fantasy

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This game features two 4-8 teams that have lost hope of any playoff dreams. The Chargers have now lost three in a row and hope to rebound this week against the Jaguars. All of their losses during that span have been within one possession so it is not as if they are playing poorly. Melvin Gordon ran for 99 yards last week and Philip Rivers threw for 265 yards with two touchdowns. Mike Williams finished with 117 yards on five receptions. The offense is producing but the defense needs to come up with one additional stop to bring home the wins. The Jaguars have now lost four in a row as they have had their season slip through their hands. Nick Foles had yet to pick up a win and they even put Gardner Minshew back in last week. The offense has been a big problem for the Jaguars lately. They have averaged just over 11 points per game during that four-game span. That won’t win them many games especially this week against the Chargers. For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars matchup page.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, December 8, 2019
Time: 4:05pm ET
Location: TIAA Bank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Coverage: FOX

Injury Report

Los Angeles Chargers: LB Nick Dzubnar (Q), WR Mike Williams (Q)
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB D.J. Hayden (Q), S Ronnie Harrison (Q), WR D.J. Chark (Q), CB Tre Herndon (Q), CB A.J. Bouye (Q), C Brandon Linder (Q), LB Donald Payne (Q), WR Chris Conley (Q), DE Calais Campbell (Q), TE Seth DeValve (Q), WR Dede Westbrook (Q)

Los Angeles Chargers Analysis

The Chargers have been a very stable team offensively. The difference between them winning and losing in most of their games has been decided by one drive. Last week only added to that with a heart-wrenching loss. After coming back with a game-tying field goal with less than a minute left. A pass interference call set up the Broncos to nail a game-winning field goal. Their defense just needs to lock down and close out games, but they keep it manageable for the offense. They just have a problem with losing close games.

To beat the Jaguars this week, they have to keep up the production of the offense from their last game but score on at least one more drive. They average just above 20 points per game which is good but scoring one more time passed 20 would have gotten them so many more wins. The Jaguars have the fifth-worst run defense in the league. Melvin Gordon should be having a busy day. If he can find success on the ground, it will open deep plays for Rivers to use his cannon arm. It all starts with the push of the front line.

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart

QB: Philip Rivers
RB1: Melvin Gordon
RB2: Austin Ekeler
WR1: Keenan Allen
WR2: Mike Williams
WR3: Geremy Davis
TE: Hunter Henry

Jacksonville Jaguars Analysis

The Jaguars have had it rough for the past four games. The offense has virtually been non-existent to the point that they benched Nick Foles who has gone 0-4 since his return. Gardner Minshew is back and at least looked better than Foles but still not great. He threw a touchdown in the part of the game that he played. Leonard Fournette has been the whole offense lately. He only ran for 38 yards last game but had 53 yards of receiving to add to it which is close to a quarter of the market share. In the games where the Jaguars have had success, it has been games where Fournette dominates the ground game.

Fournette will need to establish the run game against the Chargers to open up the pass as well. The Chargers are a good pass defense so it would not be wise for Minshew to throw a lot. Giving the ball to their number one playmaker is the real answer. The Chargers hold an average defense against the run, so it is likely that Fournette can find success knowing what he is capable of.

Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart

QB: Gardner Minshew
RB1: Leonard Fournette
RB2: Ryquel Armstead
WR1: Chris Conley
WR2: D.J. Chark
WR3: Dede Westbrook
TE: Geoff Swaim

Daily Fantasy: Melvin Gordon

The Jaguars hold one of the worst defenses against the run this season. After coming off a 99-yard rushing game, Melvin Gordon has everything going to blow up on the Jaguars this week. They also have allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns. Gordon’s red zone ability combined with that stat makes for a huge ceiling game for him. The potential there is with him this week makes him a very valuable asset as the fantasy playoffs begin.