Panthers vs Jaguars NFL Pick: Big Cats Face Off in Week 1 Clash (Sep 7)

• The Panthers continued to struggle all of last season, going 5-12 overall.
• Jacksonville took another massive step back, going 4-13 on the season.
• They last met on December 31, 2023, in a game that the Jaguars won 26-0.

Carolina and Jacksonville face off in Week 1 in a battle of rebuilding teams. Both are hoping to kick-start their rebuilt offenses, while their defenses remain a cause for concern. The loser will be in a tough spot.

Panthers Seeking a Hot Start

The Panthers are hoping to finally take a step forward under now 3rd-year QB Bryce Young. They added WR Tet McMillan in the draft to give him another target, but McMillan suffered an injury in the preseason. There are many questions remaining in Carolina as they continue to hold the NFL’s second-longest playoff drought, matched by their division rival, the Falcons. Carolina is facing an uphill battle against Jacksonville.

Jaguars Fielding New-Look Offense

The Jaguars hired Liam Coen to be their new head coach, after he managed to do an excellent job with Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. They are hoping he can finally unlock the potential of once “generational” prospect Trevor Lawrence. In addition to Coen, Lawrence also gets a brand new weapon in Travis Hunter, who will form a dynamic duo next to Brian Thomas Jr. Jacksonville enters this year with cautious optimism.

Panthers vs Jaguars NFL Pick

Both of these teams had poor showings again last season, aiming to take a major step forward this year. The Jaguars seem to be a step ahead in the rebuilding race. They’ll also be aided by home-field advantage in this matchup. While I’d hold off on placing any Jacksonville to the playoffs bets, they should win this one.