Las Vegas heads into Week 9 as underdogs in a must-win bounce-back bout at Allegiant Stadium against Jacksonville. The Raiders limp in with a 2-5 record, coming off the bye and especially bruised after a 31-0 shutdown by Kansas City in Week 7. The Jaguars, by contrast, are riding a 4-3 slate, though their momentum has skid after losses in both London and to Seattle. Both teams crave a turnaround. Geno Smith faces mounting pressure—league-worst marks in yards and points per game, rife turnovers, and too many missed connections. Utah standout Ashton Jeanty offers a faint silver lining on the ground, but protection issues are making life miserable up front. Jacksonville’s defense has crept toward respectability, especially against the rush. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence and co. want to rebound based on raw balance: solid rushing, opportunistic defense, and a rookie scheme with Travis Hunter that flashed before the bye. On the betting board, the Jaguars are carving out a minimal edge—3 points—while the total is floating in the mid-40s, suggesting a tighter game with modest scoring. Raiders might cover if they find scrappy moments and capitalize on Jaguars’ recent defensive lapses. But public lean, sharp money, and recent trends tilt toward Jacksonville holding serve. Las Vegas needs heat and heart—every turn could swing momentum. A win gets Carroll’s squad back in the playoff picture; a loss deepens doubt. Jacksonville must shake off the post-bye hangover and reassert its early-season identity or risk sliding out of relevancy in a crowded AFC South. In this clash, pride and playoff trajectory both hang in the balance.