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Free Press sportswriters give their predictions for Sunday’s Detroit Lions game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m., Fox):
Dave Birkett
The Lions and Jaguars are mirror images in some ways. They’re both young, up-and-coming teams playing better than their 4-7 record would suggest, 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 over the past three weeks. Their point production has been spotty, however, and their defense has struggled away from home. The Lions have their own issues defensively, especially against the run. But they are the better, more talented team, and this is the kind of game they must win if their rebuild is really 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, giving them two victories in three games. Their offense could be explosive under improving quarterback Trevor Lawrence, especially when Travis Etienne is healthy. But they are 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 put pressure on him and force him to make mistakes? I expect Ford Field to be loud and banging. 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’ll 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 put pressure on him and force him to make mistakes? I expect Ford Field to be loud and banging. I expect the Lions to get some turnovers. And I expect the Lions to take another step forward. Of course, that’s really when they lose, at least historically, but I’m picking the Lions. The pick: Lions 31, Jaguars 28.
GOOD FEELING:The Lions are enjoying exceptionally good health heading into Sunday’s game against the Jaguars
Shawn Windsor
The Jaguars may be down in the standings, but they’ve been quite competitive this season, including holding off Kansas City two weeks ago and beating Baltimore last week. Their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, is starting to sling it. Meanwhile, the Lions believe they still have a shot at the playoffs. Expect them to play like this at home. The pick: Lions 27, Jaguars 23.
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