Jaguars Ready to Make More Noise in the NFL

There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville got a taste of success at the end of the 2022 NFL season. The Jaguars aren’t satisfied, and they have more firepower this year.

This article originally appeared in the weekly Stadium Talk newsletter with Betting Predators, a sports betting media platform. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Building on Success

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, left, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence make a good team. John Raoux / AP Photo

There are reasons to be optimistic. Urban Meyer is long gone, and after starting last season 3-7, including 1-6 in one-score games, the Jaguars finished 6-1 and 3-0 in one-score games and had their greatest playoff victory in franchise history.

Head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have found a winning formula, and the team could be even better in 2023.

Jacksonville Jaguars Regular-Season Wins 2023-24

Over 9.5 Wins -140
Under 9.5 Wins +120

Big-Time Offensive Weapons

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has big-play ability. John Raoux / AP Photo

The Jaguars offense ranked top 10 in expected points added (EPA) per play and pass EPA last season.

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley is back from a one-year suspension, with wideouts Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, tight end Evan Engram, and running backs Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby.

This gives Lawrence plenty of options to open up the playbook and put up big numbers.

Underrated No. 1

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence throwing the ball

Trevor Lawrence checks all of the boxes to be an elite quarterback. Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo

Trevor Lawrence was the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft. Entering his third season, he’s undervalued.

As Tony Squares and Chris Dell discuss on their new Betting Predators fantasy football podcast, Lawrence is in the eighth spot in average draft position (ADP) for quarterbacks, two spots behind Justin Fields and one behind Justin Herbert.

NFL MVP 2023-24

Patrick Mahomes +700
Joe Burrow +750
Josh Allen +800
Jalen Hurts +1100
Justin Herbert +1200
Trevor Lawrence +1500
Lamar Jackson +1500
Aaron Rodgers +1600

Fantasy vs. Reality

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne

Jaguars running back Travis Etienne rushed for 1,125 yards in his rookie season in 2022, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Ed Zurga / AP Photo

If you want to win your fantasy league, check out more football analysis from Tony Squares and Chris Dell, a Betting Predators founder and new Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy analyst.

In the first episode of their Fantasy Football Favorites weekly show, they talk about Dell’s 10 commandments of fantasy football and draft strategies.

Enjoy more Betting Predators insights on ESPN 97.5’s “Late Hits” show, which goes live at 9:15 pm ET weeknights on ESPN Radio.

Get Betting Predators premium picks.

Not So Fast

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis

Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis (96) was born and raised in Australia and can be a force on defense. Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo

Everything is not all sunshine and rainbows for the Jaguars. They have question marks on the offensive line and defense.

Right tackle Walter Little is a key lineman. Two players to watch on defense are defensive end Adam Gotsis and safety Andrew Wingard.

If everything clicks in Jacksonville’s trenches and on D, watch out. This team will be dangerous.

Superpowers

Go time. Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo

According to Warren Sharp, the Jaguars have the 12th-easiest schedule in the NFL (after a top-five easiest schedule last year).

It’s hard to predict what happens on the field. But Lawrence won two Georgia state championships in high school and won a national championship at Clemson as a freshman.

He’s a winner. Don’t be surprised if he wins everything in the NFL someday too.

Super Bowl 2024

Kansas City Chiefs +600
Philadelphia Eagles +650
Buffalo Bills +900
San Francisco 49ers +1000
Cincinnati Bengals +1100
Dallas Cowboys +1400
New York Jets +1600
Baltimore Ravens +1800
Detroit Lions +2200
Miami Dolphins +2500
Los Angeles Chargers +2500
Jacksonville Jaguars +3000

Jacksonville Betting Insights

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and guard Brandon Scherff

The Jaguars plan to do a lot more celebrating. David J. Phillip / AP Photo

These are a new breed of Jaguars.

Jacksonville had an 8-8-1 record against the spread in 2022.
Last season, nine Jaguars games went over the point total.
Jacksonville ranked 10th in the NFL in total offense with 357.4 yards per game in 2022 and 24th in total defense with 353.3 yards allowed per contest.
The Jaguars scored 404 points (23.8 per game) last season (10th of 32) and allowed 350 points (20.6, 12th of 32).
The Jaguars went 5-3 at home and 4-5 on the road.
When underdogs, Jacksonville had seven victories (7-4-1) versus a 1-4 record when favored.
The Jaguars were 8-4 vs. the AFC, including 4-2 in the AFC South.
The Jaguars have a 15-22 record as underdogs at home since 2016.

This article originally appeared in the weekly Stadium Talk newsletter with Betting Predators, a sports betting media platform. Subscribe to our newsletter.

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