The Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) travel to the Caesars Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints (0-1) in this week’s NFL Preseason showdown. While both teams look to bounce back from Week 1 preseason losses, this matchup offers fascinating insights into emerging talents like Travis Hunter, quarterback competitions, and depth chart battles. The Jaguars showed promising flashes despite falling 31-25 to Pittsburgh, while the Saints’ offense struggled in their 27-13 loss to the Chargers.
Quick Picks:
- Best Bet: Jaguars +3.5 (-110) ★★★★☆
- Top Prop: Travis Hunter Over 3.5 Receptions (+100) ★★★★☆
- Value Play: Under 38.5 Total Points (-110) ★★★☆☆
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints Betting Odds & Line Movement
| Market | Jacksonville Jaguars | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +155 | -185 |
| Point Spread | +3.5 (-110) | -3.5 (-110) |
| Total | Over 38.5 (-110) | Under 38.5 (-110) |
Opening Line: Saints -2.5, Total 37.5
Sharp Money Breakdown: Where the Smart Bets Are Going
When this line opened at Saints -2.5, I anticipated movement, and we’ve seen the line push to -3.5 in favor of the home team. This adjustment reflects early professional action on the Saints, likely due to the Jaguars’ limited offensive line depth and New Orleans’ improved QB performance from Tyler Shough after his preseason debut. The total has also ticked up slightly from 37.5 to 38.5, indicating smart money expects slightly better offensive execution from both sides, though not a shootout by any means.
Quarterback Matchup: Trevor Lawrence/Nathan Rourke vs Tyler Shough/Spencer Rattler – Who Has the Edge?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence/Nathan Rourke
- Lawrence looked sharp in limited Week 1 action, completing 6-of-7 passes for 43 yards
- Expected to play 1-2 series at most; Rourke will handle majority of snaps
- Rourke showed promise last week with 14-of-22 for 130 yards and a TD
New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough/Spencer Rattler
- Quarterback competition heating up after Shough (15-of-22, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) outperformed Rattler
- Shough expected to get first-team reps in continuing audition for starting job
- Rattler (7-of-11, 53 yards) will look to bounce back after underwhelming opener
QB Edge: Saints (Slight edge due to extended playing time for QB1 candidates)
Defense Comparison: Which Unit Will Step Up?
Jacksonville’s defense has more established talent, but struggled against Pittsburgh’s ground game last week. New Orleans’ defensive unit was a step slow against the Chargers, surrendering big plays in the passing game. The Saints’ defensive line depth is a concern, particularly with recent injury losses. Jacksonville should have the advantage with cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Travis Hunter potentially getting more snaps together, though Montaric Brown’s injury limits their depth. The Jaguars’ pass rush showed flashes last week with several sacks, which could be problematic for the Saints’ offensive line that struggled in protection against Los Angeles.
Key Betting Trends & Team Stats You Should Know
- Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has emphasized competitive preseason approach in his first year
- Saints have been outscored 54-26 in Kellen Moore’s last two preseason games (including 2024 finale with Eagles)
- Jaguars’ QB Nathan Rourke has accounted for 3 TDs in his last 4 preseason appearances
- Saints are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 August games overall
- The Under is 6-2 in Jaguars’ last 8 preseason games
Travis Hunter’s Two-Way Impact Growing in Jacksonville
Travis Hunter’s NFL transition continues to impress the Jaguars’ coaching staff as the No. 2 overall pick prepares for his second preseason game. After seeing 10 offensive snaps and 5 defensive snaps against Pittsburgh, Hunter’s role may expand in New Orleans. He showed excellent route precision in his debut, catching both of his targets for 9 yards, though he was notably stiff-armed by a Steelers running back on defense. The coaching staff has indicated they’ll continue testing his two-way capabilities, with a special focus on developing his cornerback skills against the Saints’ speed receivers. His development represents one of the most fascinating experiments in the NFL, and his usage patterns Sunday will reveal much about Jacksonville’s plans for the regular season. Note: He was banged up in scrimmage on Thursday and may not play today
Caesars Superdome Factor: What to Expect on Game Day
While preseason atmosphere won’t match regular season intensity, the Superdome still provides Saints with familiar surroundings and controlled climate conditions. New Orleans typically generates moderate crowd support for preseason contests, particularly for the home debut under new head coach Kellen Moore. The indoor setting ensures perfect passing conditions for both quarterbacks, though the artificial turf can lead to faster-paced games and occasionally impacts injury concerns. The Saints’ practice sessions this week at the facility should give them slight comfort advantage, but preseason road environments rarely intimidate visiting teams to a significant degree.
Expert Prediction & Best Bets for Jaguars vs Saints
Primary Play: Jaguars +3.5 (-110)
I’m backing Jacksonville to cover this number because they’ve shown better depth across their roster in camp and their first preseason game. The Jaguars’ second and third-string quarterbacks (Rourke and Tanner Mordecai) have outperformed expectations, while the Saints’ offensive line issues should give Jacksonville’s defensive front opportunities to create pressure. New Orleans may still be trying to establish their identity under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, and their defense showed concerning gaps against Los Angeles. Look for Cam Little’s field goal range to also be a hidden advantage for Jacksonville in a close contest.
Strong Value Play: Under 38.5 Total Points (-110)
Preseason totals are always tricky, but this matchup has several indicators pointing toward the Under. Both defensive lines have the advantage over opposing offensive lines when we get into the second half, and I expect this to become a field position battle with limited explosive plays once we get past the first quarter. The Saints struggled to sustain drives in their opener, and while Tyler Shough showed flashes, consistency issues remain. The Jaguars will also be cautious with Trevor Lawrence’s exposure, meaning plenty of run-heavy, clock-burning sequences with backup QBs.
Worth Considering: Jaguars 1H ML (+140)
Jacksonville’s starters and primary backups have shown better organization and execution than New Orleans through training camp and the first preseason game. With Trevor Lawrence likely to play at least one series and their defensive front showing disruptive potential, the Jaguars could establish an early lead. The Saints’ quarterback competition means we’ll see rotations that might disrupt offensive rhythm in the opening half. This offers solid value at the current price.
Top Player Props for Jaguars vs Saints
| Player | Prop | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Shough (NO) | Over 140.5 Passing Yards | -110 | ★★★★☆ |
| Bhayshul Tuten (JAX) | Over 34.5 Rushing Yards | -115 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Mason Tipton (NO) | Anytime TD Scorer | +220 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nathan Rourke (JAX) | Over 1.5 Total TDs | +140 | ★★★★☆ |
Final Thoughts: Jaguars’ Depth Proves Decisive in Preseason Battle
Preseason games often reveal more about organizational depth than star power, and Jacksonville currently has the edge in that department. The Jaguars have better continuity in their systems despite a coaching change, with Trevor Lawrence entering year four and the defense returning several key pieces. While New Orleans has home-field advantage, their roster questions at quarterback, offensive line, and defensive depth give Jacksonville an opportunity to steal this game outright. Look for Travis Hunter (check status) to continue his development with increased snaps, and for the Jaguars’ pass rush to create problems for New Orleans’ protection schemes.
Score Prediction: Jaguars 20, Saints 17
Note: Our projections about who’s playing in preseason are based on the latest updates from beat reporters, coaches, and players. Sometimes, that info changes at the last minute or doesn’t pan out on game day. If you can’t personally confirm who’s suiting up, we recommend keeping your action light—think “beer money” bets only.
