NFL Week 12 Game Preview: Jaguars at Bills

For about 40 minutes last week, it looked like the Jaguars would get the better of Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers again, and maybe even kick off a playoff run.

Then, something clicked for Roethlisberger. Two late touchdowns left the Jaguars groping for answers and all-but-eliminated from playoff contention.

Jacksonville’s defense came up big all day, and it took an extraordinary effort for Roethlisberger to stretch across the goal line with seconds left in the game.

Of course, that touchdown could have happened a few plays earlier if running back James Conner didn’t drop a pass in the end zone. But those are the ebbs and flows of the NFL.

Buffalo has a different take on their 3-7 record. At least they are certain they have their quarterback of the future and a good defense. There’s no reason why a good draft can’t replenish their offensive line and receiving corps enough to make them contenders in 2019.

Plus, they just spent their bye week feeling the warmth of the 41-10 thrashing delivered to their rival New York team. Matt Barkley stepped into a permanent job in Buffalo as the team jettisoned Nathan “Picked-off” Peterman soon after the newly-signed journeyman had his way with the Jets.

Injuries and notes

Jacksonville already lost two left tackles for the season and now the third man up, Josh Walker, is questionable with ankle and foot issues.

He joins right guard AJ Cann (hamstring) on the injury list. Rookie receiver DJ Chark (quad) hasn’t practiced yet this week, either.

Matt Barkley might have found his latest home, but barring a setback, Rookie Josh Allen (elbow) is expected to return behind center this week. The other passer on the roster, Derek Anderson, remains in the concussion protocol, although he was on the field Tuesday.

Running back Chris Ivory (shoulder) and tight end Charles Clay (hamstring) are questionable to play this week.

Coaching matchup

Nothing radical happened to the Bills coaching staff during the bye week. It would have been hard to change offensive coordinators after a quarterback off the street put up 41 points. But Coach Sean McDermott and his rookie coordinator Brian Daboll better start getting more out of their rookie passer and the other skill players if they expect to make a long-term career out of their current positions.

Doug Marrone would be feeling a lot more heat in Jacksonville if not for their surprising run last season, supportive bosses, and some key injuries to explain some of the Jaguars woes. However, the contract extension given to Blake Bortles is not looking like a great decision, even with his offensive line injuries and the limited participation of Leonard Fournette.

How to watch the Bills-Jaguars game

Fans in upper Florida and western New York can watch this CBS Sports production via the live stream signal provided by Fubo TV.

Fubo TV, and other internet TV providers like Sling or DirecTV Now, offer live stream feeds of all the NFL-contracted stations across much of the country. When there’s no game, you get to watch all the regular network shows, or you can flip through the dozens of movie and entertainment options included in your low-cost monthly subscription.

Fubo TV, Sling, and DirecTV Now will never ask you to sign a contract or make you buy expensive equipment to watch live stream NFL action on your internet-connected TV, or your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Check out their websites today and see why millions already switched to Fubo TV, DirecTV Now, and Sling.

Who will win the Bills-Jaguars game?

Buffalo is playing through one of the most difficult first-half schedules in the league. Almost every team they lost to is currently in playoff position, although some of those losses were total blowouts. Their other two victories were against the Titans and Vikings.

Jacksonville has to pick up some wins, but even with their 3-7 record, it is easy to look past the Bills.