The NFL season will kick off a month of preseason games Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. While NFL teams now only play three exhibition games.
Except for the teams in the Hall of Fame Game, who play four — coaches are eager to get a look at younger players in-game action.
Anyone making Raiders vs. Jaguars bets will need to follow along with the news cover and team announcements leading up to kickoffs.
NFL Preseason Matchup Missing Players
Jacksonville has already said that quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne won’t be playing. While Las Vegas hasn’t posted anything official, it is expected Derek Carr and Davante Adams won’t play much, if at all.
Based on early NFL odds, this game is expected to be a low-scoring matchup between two teams more concern with development than the result of the game.
Teams Last Season Matchups Scoreboards
The Las Vegas Raiders finished last season 10-8, including a 26-19 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs on January 15 at Cincinnati.
Jacksonville upset the Colts on January 9 at home to finish the season 3-14. The Jaguars’ 26-11 win kept Indianapolis out of the playoffs.
Jaguars vs. Raiders Betting Analysis
Jaguars Analysis
Anyone making NFL picks may recognize Jacksonville quarterback Jake Luton, who is making the start under center.
With Lawrence not playing and backup quarterback CJ Beathard injured, Luton will have to step in and start for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Luton played in three games in 2020 for Jacksonville, throwing six interceptions and two touchdowns while completing 54.5 percent of his passes.
Jaguars’ Past Seasons Struggles
The Jaguars have struggled over the past few seasons but will get to take a look at what their new offense will look like under new head coach Doug Pederson.
Jacksonville will be looking to take a step forward and shed the stigma from the Urban Meyer era.
USFL alum Kyle Sloter will also get a long look from Jacksonville in this game. Sloter passed for over 1,800 yards for the New Orleans Saints Breakers but threw 11 interceptions in nine games.
Raiders Analysis
NFL stats show Las Vegas was able to persevere through heavy adversity last season to reach the AFC playoffs.
Despite seeing their coach fired, Carr was able to guide the Raiders to the playoffs. It is unlikely that Carr will see the field as he didn’t play a snap in last season’s preseason either.
Raiders NFL Matchups
For all of the NFL matchups, this may have sentimental value for Raiders’ coach Josh McDaniels. McDaniels is a Canton, Ohio native and attended Canton McKinley High School, which is right next store to Tom Benson Stadium.
The Raider will likely use this game as an opportunity to take a look at Nick Mullens and Jarrett Stidham as possible backup quarterbacks to Carr.
Former backup, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, left Los Vegas to join the Atlanta Falcons.
NFL Matchup Preseason Injury
Raiders linebacker Micah Kiser was placed on injured reserve on March 1. Jaguars running back James Robinson is questionable with an Achilles injury.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders Betting preview
NFL odds have Las Vegas as a 2.5-point favorite. The over/under is set at 30.5 points.
Jaguars vs. Raiders Betting Prediction
Five of the past eight contested Hall of Fame games have seen 30 or fewer points scored. Because this is an extra preseason game and so early in camp, many teams use this as an opportunity to look at the bottom half of the roster.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers played first-round running back Najee Harris last year, that is an exception to the rule.
With both teams set to use backup, or in the Jaguars’ case, a third-string option at quarterback, points should be at a premium in this game.
Who to Bet On in this Preseason?
Usually, with an exhibition or even All-Star games, the defense is able to get on the same page faster than the offense.
Expect the point total to stay low and for most people to be checked out by the fourth quarter. Bet under 30.5 points.
NFL Pick: Jaguars 30.5 (-110)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.