The Jacksonville Jaguars were an utter train wreck last season. While Urban Meyer might be one of the great college football coaches ever, he clearly didn't belong in the NFL. New coach Doug Pederson, though, has brought professionalism to the Jaguars. They are 2-2 and now the +170 betting favorites to win the AFC South for the first time since 2017. Jacksonville had opened the season as a +700 longer shot.
The Jaguars have gotten the most tickets and money among any NFL division at Caesars since the se ason began. Jacksonville did lose on Sunday, but it was a moderately “good” 29-21 loss to the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles. Trevor Lawrence struggled, completing just 11-for-23 for 174 yards with a pick and a whopping four lost fumbles. Yet he has clearly made a second-year leap under Pederson, who is now the +900 third-favorite for NFL Coach of the Year.
The Jaguars entered Sunday leading the NFL with a plus-seven turnover differential – eight takeaways and one giveaway. Two lost Lawrence fumbles came in a second quarter in which the Eagles turned a 14-0 deficit into a 20-14 halftime lead. It was a rainy, messy day. Lawrence was the first player this century to lose four fumbles in a game. Philadelphia rushed for 210 yards. The Jaguars entered the game No. 1 in the NFL in rushing defense, having allowed 55 yards per game rushing.
Jacksonville played without receiver Zay Jones, who has 19 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown so far this season. It's no t yet clear if he will play Sunday vs. Houston.'Jacksonville opened at -7. It's the first time that Jacksonville is that big of a home favorite since 2019 vs. the Jets.