Here we go with a full Saturday of action for us to make some NFL Preseason Week 2 picks. This article will outline our top Steelers vs. Jaguars predictions while taking into consideration the betting odds and situations surrounding both sides.
Steelers vs. Jaguars Predictions
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Steelers vs. Jaguars Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | +2.5 (-110) | +130 | O 42 (-110) |
| @ Jaguars | -2.5 (-110) | -150 | U 42 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 4 p.m. on Aug. 19.
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, August 20
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: TIAA Bank Field
- TV: NFL+
Steelers vs. Jaguars Trends
Let’s take a look at some relevant betting trends for the Steelers vs. Jaguars as well as the NFL preseason in general:
- The Steelers won their first preseason game 32-25 vs. Seattle.
- The Jaguars have lost both preseason games.
- Jacksonville HC Doug Pederson is 0-2 in the preseason with the Jaguars.
- Pittsburgh HC Mike Tomlin is 35-24 in the preseason with the Steelers.
- Underdogs are 53.7% against the spread in the NFL preseason in the previous ten years.
- As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings reports that 84% of tickets and 51% of the money are on the favorite Steelers against the spread.
- DraftKings also reports that 48% of betting tickets and 85% of the handle have selected Under 39 total points.
Who Will Become The QB1 In Pittsburgh?
Is there quarterback competition in Steel City? It certainly seems so, as the team has not announced who will be the starter in Week 1. The competition has taken an interesting turn as well.
Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph are vying for that spot. In the first preseason game, Trubisky had the start and saw two drives. Mason Rudolph finished off the first half while Pickett was behind center for the entire second half.
Pickett was impressive in his debut throwing for 96 yards and two touchdowns. He looked great overall. Mike Tomlin rewarded his first-round pick by moving him up on the depth chart, and Pickett will serve as the primary backup in this game.
What a debut for Kenny Pickett.
(via @steelers)pic.twitter.com/c6B4iMKn0j
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 14, 2022
There were questions about the Pittsburgh receiving corps coming into the season, but from training camp and that first game, it’s starting to come together. The big standout is rookie George Pickens, as he had three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. The second-round pick looks like he could be the primary target for whoever starts behind center this season.
The Jaguars Continue To Struggle On Offense
The Jaguars’ offense has been lackluster in the first two games scoring just a combined 24 points. Last week, we saw Trevor Lawrence in his debut in the new HC Doug Pederson, and he was mediocre while going 6-for-12 for 96 yards in three series. We could expect a better performance this week as the Jags’ hopeful primary receiver Christian Kirk will make his debut.
This is one of the reasons why Trevor Lawrence can be so good. Completely calm and in control in the pocket. Great stuff.pic.twitter.com/kN02ZUQZR6
— CageFighter (@cagefighter_) August 13, 2022
The run game has not been impressive in the first two games as the pecking order for the position still has questions. Travis Etienne in his first game since a Lisfranc injury ended his 2021 season only averaged 2.3 yards per carry. Snoop Conners wasn’t any better, grabbing just three yards per carry. Third-year RB James Robinson is on track to play Week 1 after tearing his Achilles towards the end of the last season, and the struggles of the other running backs could help him gain the starting position.
Steelers vs. Jaguars Prediction
With how well the Steelers played in their first game and how the Jaguars have struggled so far, it’s shocking Jacksonville checks in as a favorite.
Even though we’ll likely see the Jacksonville starting unit for at least the first half of this game, while most of the Steelers starters will be in for a drive or two at the most, siding with the Steelers is a more confident bet than laying points with the Jags.
Prediction 1: Steelers +2.5 | DraftKings Sportsbook
When looking at the total, the Steelers’ offense hummed along smoothly last week, and the Jacksonville defense has not had a good preseason showing. This game should eclipse the over with Pittsburgh doing most of the leg work.
Prediction 2: Over 34 total points | DraftKings Sportsbook
More NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks
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