Jaguars predictions: How does Trevor Lawrence injury affect Jags' odds vs Saints?

One question looms over Thursday night's game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints: How healthy is Trevor Lawrence?

The quarterback injured his knee late in the Jags' 37-20 win last week against the Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence practiced in a knee brace during the short week and is confident he can play, but if he can't go, coach Doug Pederson will turn to C.J. Beathard with preseason star Nathan Rourke next in line.

Jacksonville (4-2) enters Thursday's game on a three-game winning streak. Travis Etienne has been on fire lately with four rushing touchdowns in the past two games.

The Saints (3-3) will have a healthy Derek Carr on Thursday Night Football, though top receiver Chris Olave is battling a toe injury. In three games this season, Alvin Kamara has averaged nearly 100 total yards per game, putting up 104 yards rushing and receiving in last week's 20-13 loss to the Houston Texans.

Live updates: The latest from Jaguars vs. Saints on Thursday Night Football

Will the Jaguars keep the streak alive, or will Marshon Lattimore and the potent Saints defense prove too much for a hobbled Lawrence? Here's a look at what NFL reporters and analysts think will happen:

Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY: Saints 21-17

"This is a tricky one, with the status of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence up in the air. But with the quick turnaround with the Thursday game, I would expect Lawrence to be hindered — if he can go at all. If you’re leaning Saints, it might not be bad to jump on this sooner rather than later, assuming the line moves if Lawrence is ruled out."

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Jags 23-20

"The Jaguars' defense and running game have been the surprising signatures for their early success vs. their explosive passing. The Saints are struggling to move the ball through the air with Derek Carr. Expect Trevor Lawrence to grind through and play on a short week and also expect Travis Etienne Jr. to stay hot in the dome of inspiration Alvin Kamara, back home in Louisiana."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Jags 23-20

"This is a tough game on a short week on the road for the Jaguars. It's even tougher when Trevor Lawrence is banged up. He is expected to play, but how limited will he be? He's not the only Jaguars player hurting. The Saints have some injury issues as well. The Jaguars have been playing the better football of the two and that carries over."

Our staff predictions for Jaguars vs. Saints on Thursday Night Football

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: Jags 23-21

"Ever since the Jaguars arrived in London prior to their Week 4 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, they're putting on bangers and mashing opponents. Jacksonville is on a three-game winning streak during which its defense has created nine turnovers. Meanwhile, the Saints have lost three of their last four."

Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: Jags 20-18

"The Saints' defense rightfully receives plenty of adulation, but don't overlook what the Jaguars' unit has done in recent weeks. Since the start of the team's three-game win streak (Week 4), Jacksonville has generated the most turnovers (9) and points off turnovers in the NFL (31; tied with Jets, Lions). The Jags -- who look like they'll be without CB1 Tyson Campbell (hamstring) -- will probably need to turn takeaways into touchdowns on Thursday night, too, if they're to extend their run to four straight. And they should get at least a few opportunities to do so, as the Saints have given up the rock five times over their past three games. Despite one of the best collections of skill players in the NFL, New Orleans' offense just hasn't quite clicked yet, eclipsing the 20-point mark only once this season. If Trevor Lawrence's knee issue prevents him from suiting up, discard everything you just read. Advantage, Saints."

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Jags 23-20

"Trevor Lawrence (knee) might not play with the quick turnaround, and that means C.J. Beathard would start at New Orleans. The Saints are 1-5 ATS this season, but they were favored in the five losses. A home underdog in a pick 'em could work out, especially if Lawrence can't go. We're making this pick assuming Lawrence plays, but will re-evaluate if he's out."

John Breech, CBS Sports: Jags AND Saints win?

Breech explains his hedging: "The Jaguars and Saints are playing on Thursday and there's a chance that Trevor Lawrence (knee) could miss the game, so I will be making two picks for that game, one for if he plays and one for if he doesn't."

With Lawrence: Jaguars 24-17

Without Lawrence: Saints 20-17

Jaguars vs. Saints betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, Oct. 18.

• Spread: Saints (-1)

• Over/under: 40 points

• Moneyline: Jaguars +100, Saints -120

How to watch Saints vs. Jaguars

• When: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, October 19

• TV: WFOX (Channel 30)

• Streaming: Amazon Prime (30-day free trial)

The Jaguars vs. Saints game will air locally on FOX-30 and nationally on Prime Video. Al Michaels will handle the play-by-play with Kirk Herbstreit as the analyst and Kaylee Hartung as the sideline reporter.

Jaguars schedule 2023

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Saints vs Jaguars predictions: NFL experts pick Week 7 game