Raheem Morris and the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff will continue to err on the side of caution for their preseason game with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night. Neither Kirk Cousins nor Michael Penix is expected to play. As for Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence is going to get some run to start this game before handing the ball to Mac Jones, which is a strong enough cast of signal callers for the Jaguars to cover the spread in my estimation.
Let's preview the game and dive into my Jaguars vs. Falcons predictions and NFL picks for Friday's preseason Week 3 game.
Jaguars vs Falcons Prediction
- Jaguars vs Falcons pick: Jaguars -7 | Bet to -7.5
My Jaguars-Falcons pick is on the spread — I'm taking the Jags to cover as road favorites. Jacksonville -7.5 is available at -110 at FanDuel, according to our live NFL odds page.
Jaguars vs Falcons Odds
| Jaguars Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -115 | 35.5 -110o / -110u | -400 |
| Falcons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -105 | 35.5 -110o / -110u | +310 |
- Jaguars vs Falcons point spread: Jaguars -7.5 | Falcons +7.5
- Jaguars vs Falcons total: Over/under 35.5
- Jaguars vs Falcons moneylines: Jaguars -400 | Falcons +310
The spread opened at Jaguars -4.5 but early action moved the spread more toward Jacksonville, with the Jags moving further to -7.5 on Friday evening. The total opened at 35.5 and has not moved.
John LanFranca's Jaguars vs Falcons Preview
The Atlanta offense has not been an impressive unit thus far this preseason. Michael Penix threw for more than 100 yards during his short stint in action, but outside of that, the quarterback play has left a lot to be desired. The other Falcons QBs have completed just 24 of 57 pass attempts, resulting in an abysmal 42.1% completion percentage, gaining just 4.4 yards per attempt.
The Falcons offense sans Penix has made only four red zone trips in two games, but to add context, one of those drives started from the opposing team’s 35-yard line and another was the result of a muffed punt. Against a Jaguars defense that should see many of its top units playing meaningful snaps and has only allowed 10 points per game in two preseason games, it’s difficult to envision the Falcons mustering more than 10 to 13 points in this game.
Atlanta's lack of depth in the secondary has also been apparent over the course of this month. Its previous opponent in the Ravens completed 84% of their passes against this defense. Even in the game Penix played against Miami, the Falcons were out gained by 39 yards in a 7-point loss. It’s evident Raheem Morris is not exactly putting emphasis on trying to win the exhibition games at hand.
The Jaguars will have the clear offensive advantage. Trevor Lawrence could potentially play two or three drives, and if he only plays one series it is most likely because he led them on a scoring drive to open the game. Mac Jones was the catalyst a week ago in the team's 20-7 victory over Tampa Bay, as the Jaguars out gained the Bucs 333-207. Jones had a 127.1 passer rating, throwing for 210 yards, at more than 9 yards an attempt. Another strong performance from Jones will cement his position as the backup quarterback behind Lawrence.
It was C.J. Beathard who received the extended look in the Jaguars’ preseason opener against Kansas City, a game in which his passer rating also exceeded 100. He is not playing in this game due to injury, which should lead to even more reps for Jones. Regardless of who is leading the offense, having an explosive trio of receivers in Devin Duvernay, Parker Washington and Austin Trammell helps. All three are vying for a spot on this roster and all three have created an explosive play of 25 or more yards this preseason.
How to Watch Jaguars vs Falcons: Start Time, Channel, Location
| Location: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date: | Friday, August 23, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV/Streaming: | NFL+ |
Jaguars vs Falcons will be broadcast live on NFL+, as well as local television coverage. Jaguars-Falcons is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Use Quickslip to Bet Jaguars vs Falcons
My Jaguars vs Falcons Prediction: Jags to Cover
Jaguars vs Falcons Best Bet
Jacksonville is 2-0 this preseason and also finished the 2023 preseason undefeated. The Jags have scored 20 or more points in every exhibition game over the last two years, winning by more than 7 points in four of those five. The Falcons offense will not be able to keep up in this one after very likely falling behind early.
Jaguars vs Falcons Pick: Jaguars -7.5 | Bet to -7.5
Jaguars vs Falcons Betting Trends
- 73% of bets and 81% of the money are on the Jaguars to cover the spread.
- 56% of bets and 48% of the money are on the under.
All data via Action Network's public betting percentages.
