Jaguars vs. Falcons: Keys to victory

THE JAGUARS WILL WIN IF …

The defense returns to its previous stout ways in stopping the run, against a team that has been extremely weak running the ball this season anyway. If the Jags can make quarterback Matt Ryan one-dimensional, expect a big day from the pass rush. On offense, the Jaguars line should be able to protect Trevor Lawrence, since Atlanta is about as anemic in applying pressure as the Jags were last season.

THE FALCONS WILL WIN IF …

Ryan can get some semblance of a running game going and get tight end Kyle Pitts running free over the middle, which usually isn’t hard against a Jaguars defense for the better tight ends in the league. Atlanta has to be relatively mistake-free: they have more than double the number of turnovers than their opponents.

KEY MATCHUP

Jaguars LB Myles Jack vs. Falcons WR/RB Cordarelle Patterson

If the Jaguars are able to keep Pitts under wraps, the Falcons will turn to creative ways to get the ball in Patterson’s hands. He is second on the team in rushing with 303 yards (3.9 per carry, with two touchdowns). And second in receiving with 39 catches for 473 yards and five scores). Jack has 31 tackles in his last four games since missing the Miami game in London.