Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Week 14 Preview, TV Schedule, Prediction

TV Schedule: Sunday, Dec. 20, 1:00 p.m. EST, FOX

Stadium: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.

Line: Jacksonville (-3)

The Jacksonville Jaguars will get to play meaningful football for at least one more week. While the postseason seems highly unlikely, it is still within reach for the Jags following a 51-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday. With the win the Jaguars (5-8) find themselves just one game behind the Colts and Houston Texans for first place in the AFC South. The 6-7 teams are set to square off this Sunday in Indianapolis.

In all likelihood the Jaguars must win their remaining three games to have a chance at the playoffs starting this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons have gone from one of the NFL’s most surprising to arguably its most disappointing team. Following a 5-0 start, the Falcons have lost seven of their past eight games under first-year head coach Dan Quinn, including a 38-0 thrashing at the hands of the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday.

After a strong start to the season, the Falcons’ defense has faltered in recent weeks, contributing to the team’s losing streak. The Falcons have allowed 499 rushing yards in the past three weeks combined. They also rank last in the league with 15 sacks.

Atlanta’s offense has not been much better. Despite having one of the league’s most dangerous weapons in wide receiver Julio Jones, the Falcons’ offense has sputtered behind poor offensive line play and a few costly turnovers from quarterback Matt Ryan.

Where the Falcons’ offense has struggled, the Jaguars’ offense has come alive, scoring a combined 90 points the past two games. Quarterback Blake Bortles has led the way, throwing eight touchdowns over that span, giving him a franchise record 30 on the season.

The Jaguars will look to exploit Atlanta’s porous defense, but they may have to do so without one of their top playmakers. Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon, who has amassed over 1,000 total yards this season, is unlikely to play Sunday after suffering a knee injury against the Colts. Backup running back Denard Robinson appears to be more than capable of filling the void. The third-year player rushed for 75 yards on 14 carries against the Colts.

Prediction: Jaguars 33, Falcons 24

K.J. Momberg is the Jacksonville Jaguars Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @kjmomberg or add him to your network on Google.