Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0)
August 10, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT
Line: Jacksonville Jaguars -1.5; Over/Under: +37.5
(Get the latest betting odds)
The Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars will meet on Saturday in a Week 1 NFL preseason game at EverBank Stadium. Here are our Jacksonville Jaguars vs Kansas City Chiefs predictions. This article also includes our Jacksonville Jaguars vs Kansas City Chiefs predictions.
Kansas City Chiefs betting predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs are a powerhouse team in the NFL, having made the playoffs every year since 2015 and won three of the past five Super Bowls. With the Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes duo, the Chiefs are the favorites to win the title again. Offensively, the Chiefs have had some concerns with their offensive line and a significant drop in receivers last season, but the draft acquisition of receiver Xavier Worthy should improve things. Worthy brings the team some speed that was lost with the departure of Tyreek Hill. As long as Mahomes is under center, the Chiefs will have a handle on things offensively. Last year, KC's offense was often off kilter and frustrating.
Defensively, losing cornerback Rujarius Snead is a blow, as he was usually the guy facing the other team's best receiver. With Aaron Donald retiring, the Chiefs have arguably the best defensive tackle in the league in Chris Jones. George Karlaftis had a breakout season in his second season, recording 10.5 sacks and three pass deflections. The Chiefs have the best QB-head coach combo in NFL history, and as long as they keep it up, they'll be a threat.
Jacksonville Jaguars betting predictions
The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a disappointing nine-win season and their only two playoff appearances since 2008. The Jaguars are in their third year under head coach Doug Pederson with a 60-53-1 record. The good news is that Trevor Lawrence was a playoff contender when he was healthy, and he's back this season on a brand new shin contract. Lawrence is also joined by new receivers Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas, and Travis Etienne Jr. remains one of the most underrated running backs in the league. There are concerns on the interior of the offensive line, but in terms of skill position players, the Jaguars have enough players to run an above-average offense.
The Jaguars defense should improve with the addition of Arik Armstead, who will be feared to pair with Josh Hines-Allen, who just recorded 17.5 sacks. The additions of defensive backs Ronald Darby and Darnell Savage are also intriguing. The pressure is on Pederson to win this season, but the Jaguars currently have the second-best odds of winning the AFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Kansas City Chiefs Predictions
It's safe to say we won't see Mahomes in these preseason games. That means Ian Book, Chris Oladokun and Carson Wentz will be big time. Wentz is the only one with real NFL experience. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are going to be without CJ Beatard and Mac Jones. Those two may be bad, but they've combined to attempt nearly 2,000 passes. The preseason has been focused on quarterback depth. Even if Jones is terrible, I think it's safe to say there's more potential in the Jaguars situation. I expect the Jaguars to win at home.
