Panthers vs. Jags Prediction: Get Jay’s Car/Jax Total Pick

Carolina Panthers (2-13 SU, 5-9-1 ATS) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7 SU, 8-7 ATS)
NFL Football Week 17
Date/Time: Sunday December 31st, 2023. 1:00PM (EST)
Where: EverBank Stadium Jacksonville, FL.
TV: CBS

Betting Odds:

Point Spread: CAR +7/JAC -7
Moneyline: CAR +230/JAC -275
Total: 37.5

Nearly a month ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars appeared to be a runaway candidate in the AFC South and on the verge of being considered one of the top teams in the entire conference. Flash forward to the present day. The Jaguars have lost four straight games, with each one seeming worse than the prior loss. At 8-7 SU, the Jaguars are in a 3-way tie for the top spot in the division, along with Indianapolis and Houston. With that said, the Jaguars are in control of their destiny and will have a great chance to solidify their playoff chances when they host the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium this Sunday.

At 2-13 SU, the visiting Panthers own the worst record in football and are hilariously fighting for a No. 1 pick that they do not own, thanks to last year’s trade with Chicago. The season has been filled with disappointments from Head Coach Frank Reich, who was let go several weeks ago, to the underwhelming results from the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft in QB Byrce Young, and ultimately to a team that just lacks any hope for the future. With those things in mind, the Panthers have played relatively competitive football in the last two weeks, with a victory over Atlanta and a close loss to Green Bay. Interim Head Coach Chris Tabor has provided improvement, going 3-1 ATS since the firing of Frank Reich, and the Panthers should have a decent opportunity at another cover this Sunday as they are getting 7 points in their road trip to Jacksonville.

Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Analysis

If you are looking for a reason for the Jaguars 4-game losing skid, you will not find one simple reason but rather a plethora of reasons. QB Trevor Lawrence has been banged up with injuries. RB Travis Etienne’s performance has dropped off a cliff, with 45 yards or less on the ground in each of the last four games. Additionally, the Jaguars defense has struggled with the extra time and possessions on the field. Fortunately, this week’s homestand against the Panthers presents the opportunity to turn things around. Lawrence appears healthier for the first time in weeks, WR Calvin Ridley matches up well against the Panthers secondary, and Etienne draws one of his best match-ups of the year as well.

Additionally, the Jaguars defense will get an opportunity to face a turnover-plagued Panthers offense led by QB Bryce Young, who has tossed just 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions on the season. Jacksonville currently ranks 2nd in the NFL in the takeaways department, and the Panthers have struggled to protect the ball throughout the year. However, I will say that if the Panthers hold onto the ball, I’m interested to see how Bryce Young performs—the Jaguars rank as one of the worst teams in the NFL towards generating a pass-rush. Young’s biggest challenge this season has been dealing with pressure, and his ceiling could be much higher than expected this week if the Jaguars’ pass rush fails to deliver.

Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Trends

• The Panthers are 1-7 SU in the last eight games.
• The Panthers have hit the “under” in 7 of the last nine games.
• The Panthers are 0-8 SU in the last eight games on the road.
• The Panthers are 4-2 ATS in the last six games against Jacksonville.
• The Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in the last five games.
• The Jaguars are 3-17 SU in the last 20 games against NFC opponents.
• The Jaguars are 3-13 SU in the last 16 games in December.
• The Jaguars are 1-4 SU in the last five games against Carolina.

Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Prediction

I really like the offensive match-up on both sides of the ball in this one. I’m expecting the Jaguars to have more success on the ground this week and perhaps bounce back as an offense overall. However, I think the Panthers will also make plays, especially if they push the pace. As a result, I really like the “over” here!

Jay’s Pick: Take the over 37.5