The cardiac Jaguars of 2004 nearly lifted themselves into the playoffs in a season that was filled with memorable games. In all, Jacksonville played in 11 contests that were decided by seven points or less, coming away with wins in eight of them. In fact, their only double-digit victory came at home over lowly Chicago in a 22-3 decision in week 14. Overall, the 9-7 SU & 10-6 ATS finish wasn’t highlighted by impressive numbers, but the confidence the team gained simply from winning could help propel them on to bigger and better things in 2005. In fact, when you consider that the Jaguars scored just 16.3 PPG, good for 29th in the NFL, they were probably fortunate to be anywhere near contention. However, as long as this organization continues to add talent and experience to the intangibles learned under Head Coach Jack Del Rio, it should improve more and more.

As good as the Jaguars were on defense last season, 11th overall, the decision to focus near exclusively on that side of the ball in the offseason was alarming. As of mid-May, the only new faces added were to that unit and perhaps this was intended, as Del Rio’s strength clearly resides there. A quartet of free agents join the roster, including front line support in DT Tony Williams and DE Reggie Hayward. On offense, they lost FB Marc Edwards, but made an intriguing draft addition in multi-purpose WR-TE-QB Matt Jones. He should provide an interesting dimension for opposing defensive coordinators to figure out. The success on that side of the ball though hinges more upon the health of RB Fred Taylor who returns from off-season knee surgery.

Jacksonville grew up a lot in 2004, reversing a trend that saw it decline in each of the four previous seasons. It’s often amazing to witness how much that confidence can affect an organization, especially one with a young nucleus. Wins at Green Bay and at Indianapolis have huge carryover potential. However, the Jaguars division success (2-4 in ’04) will need to improve if they are to having any hopes beyond contending for one of the two wildcard playoff spots.

2005 Key Information

StatFox Power Rating: 20(15 of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (19 toughest of 32)

2004:(SU 9-7)(ATS 10-6)

L3 years:(SU 20-28)(ATS 25-22-1

Coach Jack Del Rio: (SU 14-18) (ATS 17-14-1)

Trends by month

September

Whoever wins Jaguars Sept. HG's is 15-1-2 ATS (9/11)

Jacksonville is 10-3-2 against the spread in Sept. at home (9/11)

Jags 3-0 ATS vs. Jets (9/25)

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October

Jacksonville is 5-0-1 ATS home vs. Bengals (10/9)

Jaguars road game winner in October is 13-1-1 ATS (10/16 & 10/30)

Pittsburgh series is 7-3 UNDER in L10 (10/16)

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November

Jacksonville is 7-0-1 ATS in 1st of BB home games (11/6 + 10/2 & 12/11)

Jaguars are 4-10 ATS vs. Ravens (11/13)

Visitor in Titans series is 5-0 ATS (11-20

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December

Three game road trip ends at Cleveland (12/4)

Jacksonville is 0-3 ATS at Houston (12/24)

Jags are 3-8 ATS hosting Titans (1/1)

Top Teaser Angle:

Jacksonville is 21-1 vs. 6 pt. teaser in road games having lost 2 of 3.

Top Money Line Angle:

Jacksonville is 1-9 (-16.65 units) against ML at home vs. teams allowing >235 YPPG.

Top Totals Angle:

Jacksonville is 16-1 UNDER in roadies after 2 or more Overs.

Pre-Season O/U wins:

OVER 8.5 -120 @www.BetCris.com

Fantasy Player Must: Ernest Wilford

Fantasy Player Bust: Fred Taylor