NFL
Sports Interaction Staff
August 22, 2017

Panthers vs. Jaguars Point Spread: NFL Preseason Week 3 Prediction

The Carolina Panthers will visit the Eagles on Thursday Night (7:30 PM ET). Let’s take a closer look at that matchup.

Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The preseason is sometime tricky in terms of handicapping because we don’t always know which teams are trying, which coaches care about these games, and how long starters will play. However, it is important to note that traditionally, Week 3 of the preseason is considered the dress rehearsal for Week 1 of the regular season. Most teams rest their starters in Week 4 and don’t really leave their starters in for too long in Weeks 1 or 2. In Week 3, we should see most teams play their starters about a half – if not a series into the third quarter. It depends on the team, though, so keep an eye on the news.

Point Spread and Betting Odds

We don’t have a lot of intel to go on here. The NFL odds board currently has this one as a pick ’em with the hometown Jags at -115. The total is at 43.

Ron Rivera, who has coached the Carolina Panthers for six seasons and his teams have compiled a record of 14-12. As for the Jaguars, they are moving into their first season with head coach Doug Marrone. His teams are 4-7 in the preseason. Interestingly enough, his teams are 3-1 in Week 1 but are a combined 1-6 in Weeks 2, 3 and 4.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have scored exactly 27 points in each of their two preseason games but one resulted in a win while the other resulted in a loss. Their defense has had some issues gave up 34 points to Tennessee this week, although the offense didn’t do them any favors with three turnovers.

Remember that the Panthers are still without starting quarterback Cam Newton, who continues to rehab his throwing shoulder. As of now, we’re not expecting him to be out there. That means we’ll see more of Derek Anderson, Joe Webb and Garrett Gilbert again.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have a lot more to accomplish in this preseason game than most teams. While they were hoping that Blake Bortles would seize the starting quarterback job, his confidence has been shot dating back to last season. After another shaky outing last week where he missed several wide open receivers, Marrone has stated that the quarterback job is up for grabs. Both Bortles and Chad Henne have been splitting first-team reps.