The Jaguars welcome the Steelers to EverBank Stadium in a matchup between two teams heading in different directions.
This game may not be an indication of regular season success, but there's little doubt Liam Coen is determined to right the ship in Jacksonville. His approach to the first preseason game is the complete opposite of Mike Tomlin’s, which makes the Jaguars rightful favorites at their current price.
Let's get into my Steelers vs Jaguars prediction and my NFL predictions for Preseason Week 1.
Steelers vs Jaguars Odds
| Steelers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -112 | 36.5 -118o / -102u | +180 |
| Jaguars Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -108 | 36.5 -118o / -102u | -218 |
- Steelers-Jaguars Point Spread: Jaguars -4.5 (-108), Steelers +4.5 (-112)
- Steelers-Jaguars Total: Over/Under 37.5 (O -118 / U -102)
- Steelers-Jaguars Moneyline: Jaguars -218, Steelers +180
NFL Picks: Preseason Week 1
Pittsburgh went 0-3 in the preseason in 2024, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to see Tomlin prioritize rest for the regular season. The Steelers were underdogs in all three of those games, failing to cover any contests, as they averaged just 10.3 points per game.
Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and both the Steelers' top two tight ends aren't expected to suit up, along with many of their key defensive pieces.
The Jacksonville coaching staff is taking this game seriously, and the Jags are undoubtedly looking to build some momentum as they prepare for the games that actually count in the standings.
Coen, widely considered one of the best play-callers in the NFL today, was the catalyst in Baker Mayfield’s renaissance in Tampa Bay. He's looking to revive the career of Trevor Lawrence, as well, by implementing a much more quarterback-friendly system.
In this game, it’s easy to have an optimistic outlook regarding this Jaguars offense, especially considering it was Lawrence and starting center Robert Hainsey who lobbied to play.
Coen is an offensive mastermind, but you can't execute your system without talented players. Training camp reports have raved about the development of three key pieces in the Jaguars’ offense: Wide receivers Dyami Brown and Parker Washington, as well as tight end Brenton Strange.
These three players have been a consistent force in training camp, but it’s another player everybody will have their eyes glued to that may make the biggest difference — No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter.
Hunter should see plenty of action, both offensively and defensively, as fans and experts alike will get their first taste of what the plan may be for the potential star.
Based on the initial depth start, I expect to see Hunter on offense in the early going, allowing the established defensive starters to take the field in the first quarter before Hunter makes the switch and plays on the defensive side of the ball deeper into the game.
Hunter’s presence alone may raise the level of energy in the stadium.
The depth and experience at quarterback for Jacksonville — in comparison to Pittsburgh — is another reason I really like the home team to prevail in this game.
Tomlin’s Steelers should start Mason Rudolph before Skylar Thompson takes over for the largest bulk of playing time. Thompson hasn't played well in extended preseason action, and he's still adjusting to an Arthur Smith system that differs greatly from the one he played in down in Miami.
It’s worth noting that over the last two exhibition seasons, Thompson has thrown six interceptions, along with being sacked on six occasions.
For Jacksonville, once Lawrence and the starting offense leave the field, we’ll get a look at two experienced signal callers in Nick Mullens and John Wolford. Wolford, in particular, is especially important because he'll likely close the game out.
In 2024, Wolford spent training camp and the preseason with Tampa Bay in the Coen system.
Steelers vs Jaguars Predictions
It may be tempting to focus entirely on the first half and look to play the Jaguars when we know their starters will be up against the backups of the Steelers. However, the first half line sits at -3.5, while the full game line is currently in the -4 to -4.5 range.
Given the experience of the Jaguars’ quarterbacks who'll see action in the second half, I rather attack the full-game line. Mullens and Wolford will get their opportunity against the third- and fourth-team defensive units of Pittsburgh.
Pick: Jaguars -4 (ESPN Bet)
How to Watch Steelers vs Jaguars
| Location: | Acrisure Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, August 9 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
Steelers vs Jaguars will be live from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
