Prediction 1
Washington -2.5 at Jacksonville Spread
(-110)
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Prediction 2
Travis Etienne anytime TD scorer vs. WAS Prop bet
(+175)
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Jaguars vs Commanders Week 1 matchup preview and current betting lines
The Jaguars head to Washington in search of a positive start to the season after the abominable 2021 campaign that led to both losses and the firing of head coach Urban Meyer midseason.
Darrell Bevel took over as interim head coach after Meyer tallied too many on and off the field mishaps.
Second-year quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, (drafted No. 1 overall out of Clemson in 2021) found it hard to develop as he’s now moved on to his third coach (Doug Pederson) despite only playing one campaign. The super bowl winning head coach found success in Philadelphia with Carson Wentz as a rookie and Nick Foles as the backup. For Lawrence, it’s a positive sign he’s had a full offseason with his new coach to learn the offensive scheme.
Washington is entering its third season under Ron Rivera who has a 14-19 record with the team. The Commanders acquired quarterback Carson Wentz in the offseason and will hope he can regain his rookie form when he led the Eagles to the playoffs.
Bookmakers are favoring the Commanders by 2.5 points this week. Currently, 83% of bets placed on the spread are on Washington to cover.
Players to watch in the Commanders vs. Jaguars matchup
Commanders
Jahan Dotson: In the draft, Washington took Dotson in hopes of adding a big weapon to the offense and able to line up across from the electric Terry McLaurin. The 22-year-old exploded his senior season at Penn State recording 91 catches for 1,182 yards and 13 touchdowns. The red zone target also ran a 4.43 during his 40-yard dash at the combine.
Jaguars
Christian Kirk: In March, Jacksonville’s front office gave the Texas A&M product a 4-year, $72 million dollar deal with 37 million guaranteed to be the offense’s WR1. Kirk produced his best season as a pro with Arizona last year, falling just 18 yards short of a 1,000 yard season. He reached the end zone on five occasions. Kirk shined despite being in a crowded wide receiver room featuring DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green and Rondale Moore.
Our NFL bet of the week for the Jags vs Comanders matchup
ESTNN is providing readers with two picks for this Sunday’s matchup.
Jaguars vs Commanders Spread betting: Washington -2.5 @ -110
Riverboat Ron has had a successful coaching career and upgraded the most important position for his team at quarterback with Wentz. Prior to Wentz, Rivera led the team to the playoffs with a practically one-legged Alex Smith followed by journeyman Taylor Heinicke. Wentz has had his ups and downs throughout his career but still has managed to put together a .524 win percentage as a starter with 140 touchdowns compared to 57 interceptions.
The Commanders’ defense was put in precarious situations last year by the offense and are missing their star defensive end Chase Young. Although, Daron Payne and Jonathan Williams should get plenty of pressure on the young Jags quarterback.
On paper, the Jags boast too much inexperience and haven’t proven much offensively or defensively. They’ll likely improve as the season progresses, but the early growing pains should prevent them from covering versus the Commanders. It doesn’t help that Jacksonville is 1-7 against the spread in their last eight games.
Jags vs. Commanders odds: Travis Etienne anytime TD scorer @+175
It’s rare to see a starting running back with any time scoring odds of +175. The value in this prop is too good to pass up and is one of the best NFL week 1 odds. The 2021 late first round pick was supposed to be the main rushing and receiving weapon last season but went down with a lisfranc injury.
The Jaguars and Pedersen, who like receiving backs, (drafted Miles Sanders and often deployed Boston Scott in Philly) will likely give the tailback 15+ touches and throw multiple passes his direction come Sunday. James Robinson probably enters the fold as the season progresses but is coming off an achilles injury and sits behind Etienne on the depth chart.
If you’re interested in learning about more prop bets for week 1, read our NFL player props page.
Frequently asked questions regarding Buffalo vs Los Angeles in week 1
No, Rivera told the media Young will miss week 1 and wouldn’t put an exact timetable on his return. The 2020 defensive AP Defensive Rookie of the Year tore his ACL in mid-November but is on schedule to return later this season.
If you want to add some extra excitement to the game then yes, read ESTNN’s *best NFL week 1 odds and parlay picks* by our pundits.
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