Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla. (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Jets by 2.5
Forecast: Temperatures in the high 70s; partly cloudy
Records: Jaguars (overall: 2-10, AFC South: 2-3); Jets (overall: 5-7, AFC East: 2-3)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 18, 2011: Jets 32, Jaguars 3; Nov. 15, 2009: Jaguars 24, Jets 22. Series record: Jaguars lead the series 6-4.
What matters: A seven-game skid that started in Week 3 made the second half of the season irrelevant for the Jaguars in terms of having a chance to make the postseason. There will be no playoffs and the Jags, at best, could only finish at 6-10 at this point. Jacksonville must find some other form of motivation now. An impressive effort in Week 11 was squandered in an overtime loss at Houston. The Jags then got back in the win column in a 24-19 victory over Tennessee in Week 12. But it was back to their old ways last week against Buffalo, losing 34-18 in a game many thought the Jaguars could compete in. Future roster spots could be on the line on Sunday. There’s some motivation.
Who matters: QB Chad Henne has been an interesting story this season. He was brought in as a free agent to be a backup for QB Blaine Gabbert, but he took over in Week 11 at Houston when Gabbert went down with an injury. He threw for over 600 yards and totaled six TDs the next two weeks. He then struggled at Buffalo, only completing 42.3 percent of his passes. The Jags need him to play more like he did the prior two weeks. Montell Owens, an all-purpose RB/FB known for his special teams play, will get his first career start as a RB on Sunday after a rash of injuries at the position. He only has 21 career carries. He could see that many this week alone.
Key matchup: Despite struggling overall against the Bills last week, the Jaguars’ secondary gave up a season-best total of just 112 yards through the air to Buffalo QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. That’s a bad sign for Jets QB Mark Sanchez, who is barely clinging to his starting job and is ranked near the bottom of the league in almost every passing category among starting QBs. Especially keep an eye on Jacksonville CB Derek Cox, who is getting healthier after dealing with a hamstring injury. He’s only played in eight games this year, but he already has three INTs.
Injuries of note: Gabbert (arm), RB Jalen Parmele (leg) and WR Laurent Robinson (concussion) are all on the IR, not designated to return. RB Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) is doubtful. WR Cecil Shorts (concussion) is questionable.
Inside stuff: Several sections of EverBank Field are normally covered by tarps due to poor attendance. At least one of those will be removed on Sunday due to increased ticket demand. With the two teams having a combined record of 7-17, it’s safe to say that’s not because fans are eager to see great football. It’s more likely because of Jets backup QB Tim Tebow, who is from the Jacksonville area and starred at the University of Florida. Due to a rib injury, it’s uncertain if Tebow will even be available to play.
Connections: There’s one extremely close connection in this game. Two brothers -- Jaguars S Dawan Landry and Jets S LaRon Landry -- will be on opposite sidelines
Stat you should know: If Shorts can’t go, the Jaguars’ likely group of active WRs only has 791 yards of receiving this season. Most of those belongs to WR Justin Blackmon, who has 557 yards. Henne won’t have many experienced targets to go to in that scenario.
Looking ahead: The Jaguars travel to Miami (5-7) next week before hosting the Patriots (9-3) the following week. The season concludes in Week 17 at Tennessee (4-8).
Prediction: Jets 21, Jaguars 14
For more Jaguars news and analysis, follow Daniel Lewis @CBSJags
