JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars season is back and our News4JAX sports staff is back with its predictions as well. Each week, we’ll unveil our predictions for the week’s game. Jacksonville travels to face Miami in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday.
How’d we do the last couple of years? In 2022, Jamal St. Cyr went 8-9 in the regular season and 1-1 in the playoffs. Justin Barney went 5-12 in the 2022 regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs. Last year, Jamal went 10-7 while Justin and Alessandra Pontbriand both finished 9-8.
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Kyle Ashley
I have been back and forth on this game all week but give me the Jags. Yes, I know the Dolphins have plenty of offensive firepower and speed with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Devon Achane but I think the Jaguars have some weapons too and can keep up with the Dolphins on the scoreboard. I think the game will come down to the Jags new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen scheming the defense to come away with a couple a key stops or turnovers that help the Jaguars leave Miami with a win in Week 1. — Jaguars 31, Dolphins 27.
Justin Barney
This is a tough, tough opener for the Jaguars. I picked the Jaguars to win this game when the NFL schedule was released and I’m going to stick to that even though I think the Dolphins are every bit the 3.5-point favorite that Vegas has made them. I’m interested in seeing how the retooled Jacksonville offensive line operates together. I’m cautiously optimistic that the worst unit on Jacksonville will be a bit better. Trevor Lawrence has got to be better. I think Trevor gets the better of Tua Tagovailoa and the defense has an excellent debut under its new coordinator. In an upset ... — Jaguars 27, Dolphins 24.
Alessandra Pontbriand
I think speed will be the difference maker in this game. The Dolphins offense is too fast and too in sync, which no matter how much you game plan for will always take some getting used to when the game actually starts. So I expect Miami to take the lead early and for the Jaguars to fight back, but the early advantage will be the reason that they win. — Dolphins 28, Jaguars 24.
Jamal St. Cyr
So, as the reigning picks champion, I did not get off to a strong start since I picked the Ravens in the opening game but he should have worn white shoes. Details matter! For the Jags, this game is all about the trenches on both sides. If the Jags can win at the line they can win the game. Speed is great, but it is like a side dish, not the main course. It’s like adding ketchup to a burger. If the burger is burnt the ketchup won’t make a difference. If Tua doesn’t have time to throw and there aren’t running lanes that speed won’t make a difference. The good news is the strength of the Jags defense should be their defensive line but the question on the Jags offense is their offensive line. This is going to be the first time that this offensive line group has really played together, like ever. All of that said this should be a good game between a pair of playoff teams but my gut says the Dolphins walk off with the win. — Dolphins 32 Jaguars 28.
Bonus picks from Hard Rock bets: Travis Etienne over 57.5 rushing yards; Ladd McConkey over 36.5 receiving yards; Tyjae Spears over 15.5 receiving yards.