Clean Game or Chaos? Geno Smith Set for Big Test vs. Jaguars’ Defense

At just 2-5, the Las Vegas Raiders desperately needed their Week 8 bye in the 2025 NFL season. The last time they took the field, they were absolutely dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-0. That game really hammered home the canyon dividing the Raiders from the top contenders in the league.

Las Vegas is approaching a crossroads. It underwent a massive overhaul of its on-field personnel and coaching staff in the offseason, expecting to accelerate the rebuild and field a competitive team this year.

The additions of quarterback Geno Smith, Head Coach Pete Carroll, Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly, and running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the 2025 draft suggested that the Raiders wanted to win games sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately, they haven't shown any meaningful signs of improvement so far this season. In fact, they have the exact same record through seven games as they did in 2024, under former coach Antonio Pierce and led by quarterback Gardner Minshew II. Coming out of the bye, the Raiders have one game left before the trade deadline to see if they're a feisty team on the verge of a breakout or a bottom-feeder doomed to continue the rebuild.

Can Raiders offense turn things around against Jaguars?

Las Vegas Raiders, NFL, Geno Smith, Kansas City Chiefs — Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

1. Geno Smith -140 to throw an interception

Geno Smith has been more likely to throw an interception than not in the 2025 NFL season. He has 10 total picks in seven games, and has only avoided a turnover in two weeks so far this year. It's not surprising then to see this line from FanDuel.

In Week 9, he'll face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that's currently second in the league in takeaways with 14. That unit has gone two-straight games without forcing a turnover, and they could be starving for one. The return of linebacker Devin Lloyd, the NFL's interceptions leader, could certainly help get them back on track. Smith will have to be extra aware of defenders downfield against Jacksonville.

Las Vegas Raiders, NFL, Ashton Jeanty, Kansas City Chiefs — Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace (30) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

2. Ashton Jeanty over/under 61.5 rushing yards

In their last few games, the Raiders have been content with letting Ashton Jeanty lead the offense and keeping the rock out of Geno Smith's turnover-prone hands as much as possible. They'll want to continue that trend versus Jacksonville's ball-hawking defense.

Las Vegas Raiders Pete Carroll | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

However, that might not be the best game plan for an upset win over the Jaguars. As active and aggressive as Jacksonville is at the second level, it's been a much stauncher run defense than it has against the pass. The Jaguars have given up the sixth-fewest rushing yards in the NFL this year and are top-10 in yards per carry allowed. Jeanty could find tough sledding versus a beefy Jacksonville front line that likes to get into the backfield.

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