NFL Preseason Odds: Carolina at Jacksonville (Thursday, August 24)

The Jacksonville Jaguars left Week 1 of the preseason on a high note, having taken down the New England Patriots on the road. Then they laid an egg against Tampa Bay as they only put up eight points in that contest. The Carolina Panthers also come in on a losing note, as they permitted 17 points in the opening period on the way to a 34-27 loss at Tennessee. If you are planning to bet on Week 3 of the NFL Preseason, then we strongly suggest you to take a look at our research on this and other games scheduled for this week.

NFL Preseason Odds: Carolina at Jacksonville (Thursday, August 24)

When: Thursday, August 24, 2017, 7:30 PM ET Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville/ TV: Local Affiliates Only Radio: WBT 1100 AM Charlotte / 92.5 FM Jacksonville Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Odds: Pick ‘em, O/U Total 43

Why should you bet on the Panthers?

You should know that Cam Newton (shoulder) is questionable once again and has not appeared in any preseason contests yet this season — so even if he gets cleared to start against the Jaguars, he is unlikely to play more than a few minutes. Derek Anderson went 7 for 12 for 88 yards against Tennessee, tossing an interception. Cameron Artis-Payne led the way with a solid ground performance, picking up 70 yards on five attempts. Rookie Christian McCaffrey still looks special, as he gained 33 yards (and scored a touchdown) on just three attempts. If he can keep this sort of running game going into the regular season, the Panthers could make a lot of noise in that NFC South once again, giving the Falcons and Buccaneers a real run for their money.  

Cam was dialed in today!

Update » https://t.co/ALnxaEPOE9 pic.twitter.com/Cd2Pd65gnk — Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 22, 2017

The defense remains a question for the Panthers. Linebacker Luke Kuechly (ribs) remains questionable and, given his importance in the regular season, is unlikely to take the field. This is a unit that, even with Kuechly, permitted 25.1 points per game (#26 in the NFL). Jacksonville has not been strong offensively in the last couple of years, which should be good news for the Panthers, Even so, without consistent play from the line and secondary, Carolina could give Jacksonville more room than Tampa Bay did last week.

Why should you put your money on the Jaguars?

There is a quarterback battle going on in Jacksonville, as that eight-point performance last week led head coach Doug Marrone to open the position up to Chad Henne as well. Bortles did go 8 for 13 for 65 yards and had no interceptions, but he got lucky on some bad decisions that could have ended up going the other way. Henne went 6 for 10 for 44 yards.

The problem with Bortles is his interceptions; last year, he had more than 3,900 yards through the air and threw 23 touchdown passes, but he also threw 16 interceptions. Henne isn’t much better, having thrown 63 picks over the last eight seasons. However, rookie wide receiver Dede Westbrook sparkled with both quarterbacks, hauling in six balls for 131 yards.

Miami Dolphins vs Philadelphia Eagles Week 3 NFL Preseason Odds

The Jacksonville defense held Tampa Bay to just 12 points last week, which is an accomplishment given the explosive talent that the Buccaneers have on offense. The Carolina offense has some talent as well, although they should play more of a grinding style with Newton more than likely spending the game on the bench. If Jacksonville can take advantage of that situation more effectively than the Titan defense could, then Jacksonville could have a relatively easy day on defense. That will keep the pressure off Bortles and Henne as they vie for that starting quarterback job. Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction Even with Cam Newton on the sidelines, this is the Panthers’ dress rehearsal, playing as though Anderson is going to open the season as the starter. I like the starch that Carolina showed down the stretch last season, and they have more talent than this Jaguar team does at this point in time. Give me Carolina, 27-19.