It’s not often that the Jaguars play the 49ers, but when they do, it usually doesn’t go well for Jacksonville.
The Jaguars are 2-5 against the 49ers, and they’ve never won at San Francisco. The Jaguars are 0-2 there as this will be just their third time ever playing in the city by the Bay. This is the Jaguars’ 31st season in the NFL.
The Jaguars are 2-2 against the 49ers in Jacksonville, and 0-1 against them in London.
Things started out great — the Jaguars won their firs two meetings against San Francisco in 1999 and 2005. They’ve lost five in a row since.
A lot of uncertainty surrounds the 49ers as starting quarterback Brock Purdy has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury and turf toe. Mac Jones had filled in admirably for Purdy, winning both of his starts, but he’s now hobbled with a knee injury.
If neither of them can go, the 49ers would turn to Adrian Martinez, who signed with San Francisco’s practice squad in August after the New York Jets waived him following training camp. The 2024 UFL MVP has served as Jones’ backup in each of the past two weeks.
Here’s what our experts have to say about this game:
DEMETRIUS HARVEY
Jaguars beat writer
49ers 21, Jaguars 10
The Jaguars have had far too many mental mistakes, including drops, pre-snap penalties and a simple lack of execution. That’s not good enough against a stout and veteran defense like the one San Francisco deploys. I think the game will be closer than expectations, but a last-second touchdown from San Fran thwarts any hopes for the Jags.
Season: 3-0
MIKE DiROCCO
ESPN
49ers 21, Jaguars 17
Unrealistic to expect drops and pre-snap penalties to completely stop, and the pass offense to find its rhythm in just one week. But the Jaguars make progress — just not enough.
Season: 2-1
Ryan O’Halloran
Times-Union Sports columnist
49ers 27, Jaguars 21
After unforced errors like dropped passes and pre-snap penalties, top-of-agenda for the Jaguars’ offense Sunday in San Francisco should be third down efficiency. Convert more often to keep the 49ers’ top-ranked passing game off the field.
Through three games, the Jaguars rank 24th on third down (37.5%, 15 of 40). San Francisco is seventh in third down defense (33.3%, opponents are 12 of 36).
Divided by distance, the Jaguars are 5 of 13 when needing 1-3 yards, 7 of 13 when needing 4-7 yards and 3 of 14 when needing at least 7 yards. Kind of yucky all around, but particularly on third-and-short. Inexcusable to be that bad.
What I want to see are more third-and-short rushes.
When needing 1-3 yards in Week 2 at Cincinnati, quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw incomplete on third-and-1 and third-and-2; last week against Houston, he threw incomplete on third-and-2 and third-and-3. This situation could be a way to utilize rookie running Bhayshul Tuten, whose sledgehammer-like running style should usually gain the required yardage.
Staying on the field will give the Jaguars a shot at a rare West Coast win, but San Francisco will drop them to 2-2.
Season: 3-0
GARRY SMITS
Times-Union Sports reporter
49ers 23, Jaguars 16
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy is back and I’m just not sure the Jaguars can get all of their offensive kinks worked out enough to beat a good team after flying across the country, which has been a historic problem for them.
Season: 3-0
JUSTON LEWIS
Times-Union Sports reporter
49ers 24, Jaguars 20
Whether it’s Brock Purdy or Mac Jones, I think it’ll be a close contest but the Jaguars will drop their second game of the season.
Season: 2-1
CLAYTON FREEMAN
Times-Union Sports reporter
49ers 20, Jaguars 16
Trips across the country don’t often end well for the Jaguars, and this time, the 49ers are 3-0 with the NFL’s No. 2 scoring defense. Not a good combination for a Jags offense that remains erratic.
Season: 2-1
TIM WALTERS
Times-Union Sports Editor
Jaguars 19, 49ers 17
Aside from the QB injuries, the 49ers are without star defensive end Nick Bosa as well as top tight end George Kittle. The Jaguars are getting what many thought was a Super Bowl contender at the right time. Jacksonville’s run game may struggle with Fred Warner swarming to the ball, but the Jaguars will mitigate receiver drops and kick a game-clinching field goal to win another close game, what will be their first ever victory in San Francisco (well, Santa Clara, really).
Season: 2-1
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars at 49ers Week 4 prediction. Can Jacksonville win for first time at San Francisco?
Reporting by Tim Walters, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
