Week 7 staff predictions: Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football

The Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints are getting set for only their eighth meeting all-time when they play on Thursday Night football.

The Saints lead the series 5-2.

The last time the Jags defeated the Saints: Dec. 21, 2003.

The No. 1 song in the U.S. was "Hey Ya!" by Outkast.

The No. 1 movie in the U.S. was "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King."

Fred Taylor led the Jaguars to victory by rushing for 194 yards and a touchdown. He had more rushing yards than quarterback Byron Leftwich had passing yards (131).

Saints QB Aaron Brooks took the loss despite going 22-for-38 for 296 yards and two touchdowns.

The final score: 20-19.

In the time since, the Saints have won four in a row, in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.

The Jaguars have never won in New Orleans in three tries.

As they carry the momentum of a three-game winning streak into the Big Easy, one has to wonder if fatigue could take its toll on the Jaguars. They played two consecutive games in London before a home victory against the Colts, and now a short week leading into a game in New Orleans on Thursday.

Plus, with Trevor Lawrence nursing a knee injury, things are even more muddled.

Let's see what our experts think.

Gene Frenette: Tough call for Jaguars, QB Lawrence on whether he should play against Saints

DEMETRIUS HARVEY

Jaguars beat writer

Saints 14, Jaguars 10

Trevor Lawrence is entering the game banged up and that’s only if he actually plays. If he does, he won’t be mobile. That doesn’t bode well for the Jags’ chances with OL Walker Little out and guard Brandon Scherff questionable. People aren’t making a big enough deal about Tyson Campbell being out either. Jags lose this one by 4.

Season: 4-2

MIKE DiROCCO

ESPN

Saints 17, Jaguars 14

Does Trevor Lawrence play? Even if he does, how effective can he be? And does the fact that the Jaguars may be without LG Walker Little and RG Brandon Scherff impact the team’s decision? Either way, expect a heavy dose of Travis Etienne Jr. against a Saints defense that ranks ninth against the run (96.3 ypg).

Season: 3-3

GENE FRENETTE

Times-Union Sports columnist

Jaguars 20, Saints 17

Definitely had this pegged as a loss before the season, and either with no Trevor Lawrence or a knee-impaired one and being Thursday night on the road, it feels like an even tougher matchup. But the Saints aren't exactly an explosive offense and the way the Jaguars' defense is playing, they somehow gut this one out.

Season: 4-2

GARRY SMITS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Saints 17, Jaguars 16

I think this is where the Jaguars hit the wall from an exhaustion standpoint, from two weeks in London, the Colts game, and a four-day turnaround before a road game, on artificial turf. The Saints have a pretty good defense, and here are some key stats: they've allowed only one rushing touchdown, are tied for second in the NFL with the Jaguars in interceptions with eight and they're second in allowing the lowest pass completion percentage (55.9).

Season: 4-2

JUSTON LEWIS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Jaguars 20, Saints 13

Thursday night football is always weird. I think Jacksonville keeps rolling in a tough environment.

Season: 2-4

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

CLAYTON FREEMAN

Times-Union Sports reporter

Saints 20, Jaguars 17

Reminder: Trevor Lawrence isn't the only Jaguar fighting injury woes. The prospect of a Tyson Campbell-less secondary going against Chris Olave (302 receiving yards in his last three games) and two-time NFL catch leader Michael Thomas is less than ideal for Jags fans. Could go either way, but injuries, the Superdome advantage and an underrated Saints defense ranking in the top 10 in most major categories may make the difference.

Season: 4-2

TIM WALTERS

Times-Union Sports Editor

Saints 20, Jaguars 13

Something has to give this week. Doug Pederson has never lost on a Thursday night as a head coach. The Saints have never lost to the Jaguars at home. Which will it be? I think the Saints win this one at home. It's the first time this season I'm not picking the Jaguars. If Trevor Lawrence plays, he'll be hobbled. Marshon Lattimore loves the challenge of covering the top receiver. He'll be manning Calvin Ridley, which means you might want to consider sitting him on your Fantasy Football team if you have better options. Lattimore only has one INT this season, but I think he gets one here. Plus, the Saints have been lights out against the run.

Season: 4-2

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Jaguars-Saints predictions: Florida Times-Union picks NFL Week 7 2023