Here’s The Game Day’s Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 NFL Preview: 2020 Recap, Team 2021 Outlook, and 2021 Betting Tips.
Jaguars 2021 Best Bet
For in-depth analysis of this best Jaguars bet pick, continue reading.
Jaguars 2021 Team Preview
Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 Recap
- Final record: 1-15 (1-7 Home / 0-8 Away)
- Division regular-season finish: 4th In AFC South
- Result: Did not qualify for the postseason
The Jacksonville Jaguars had the worst record in the NFL last year, losing every game after upsetting the playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Their 15 consecutive losses netted them the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, which they wisely used on Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.
It’s often difficult to find silver linings when a team is nearly winless, but that was not the case with last year’s Jaguars. While they did lose 15 games, five of those losses were by four points or less, so it’s not like they were getting blown out every week. Their expected W-L record based on their point differential was 4-12, so bad luck contributed to their poor results as well.
It’s also worth noting that although Jacksonville had the NFL’s worst overall record, they did not finish with the worst offense or defense. They outscored both New York teams and allowed fewer points than the Detroit Lions, so it could have been worse.
There were a few bright spots in terms of personnel as well. James Robinson emerged as one of the NFL’s top running backs after going undrafted, and Laviska Shenault flashed his potential after an early-season injury forced him out of action. Keelan Cole and DJ Chark both had decent seasons for the receiving corps, as well, although Cole has since signed with the New York Jets.
Gardner Minshew did not prove up to the task of leading the offense, however, necessitating a long-term replacement in Lawrence. While he won’t be able to solve all of the team’s problems by himself, Lawrence will instantly improve the offense and should help guide the Jaguars to a more respectable record in 2021.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Before making your next NFL bet, you should know that PointsBet Sportsbook is one of the best around, offering tons of promotions and a fantastic welcome bonus of 2 second-chance bets up to $2,000 to new signups using our promo code .
Read Anthony Cervino’s PointsBet Sportsbook review for more insight and get your welcome bonus below, or continue reading our Jacksonville Jaguars preview.
Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 Offseason Changes
Jaguars 2021 Offseason Departures
- QB Gardner Minshew
- QB Mike Glennon
- LB Joe Schobert
- WR Dede Westbrook
- WR Keelan Cole
- WR Chris Conley
- TE Tyler Eifert
- RB Chris Thompson
- DT Abry Jones
- S Ronnie Harrison
- S Jarrod Wilson
Jaguars 2021 Free-Agency/Offseason Additions
- QB Trevor Lawrence
- QB C.J. Beathard
- WR Marvin Jones Jr.
- WR Phillip Dorsett
- RB Travis Etienne (IR)
- RB Dare Ogunbowale
- RB Carlos Hyde
- TE Luke Farrell
- TE Chris Manhertz
- OT Walker Little
- DT Roy Robertson-Harris
- DT Jay Tufele
- DT Jihad Ward
- LB Damien Wilson
- LB Jordan Smith
- CB Shaquille Griffin
- S Raywshawn Jenkins
- CB Tyson Campbell
- S Andre Cisco
Jaguars 2021 NFL Draft Picks
- Round 1: QB Trevor Lawrence, RB Travis Etienne
- Round 2: CB, Tyson Campbell, OT Walker Little
- Round 3: S Andre Cisco
- Round 4: DT Jay Tufele, LB Jordan Smith
- Round 5: TE Luke Farrell
- Round 6: WR Jalen Camp
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence is the Rookie of the Year betting favorite after being the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. (Image: USA TODAY)
Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 Outlook
For the first time in what feels like forever, Jacksonville finally has a legit starting quarterback. Even if Lawrence’s rookie play doesn’t meet his lofty expectations, the Jaguars will benefit immensely from mere competence at this point.
If Lawrence does struggle, it won’t be long before he establishes himself as one of the better signal callers in the league. He’s a special thrower with plus athleticism, making Jacksonville’s offense much more dynamic. He can hit targets at every sector of the field and has a great set of playmakers at his fingertips to help with his development.
The Jaguars have built a solid receiving group that complements one another and will help take the pressure off Lawrence as well as the run game. The offense is balanced but the offensive line could be a problem area after ranking 25th in adjusted sack rate last year, which may limit Lawrence’s upside. The run-blocking is solid, though, which bodes well for Robinson, who will need to carry the load with Travis Etienne expected to miss the entire season with a Lisfranc injury to his left foot.
The biggest overall issue for Jacksonville is their defense, which ranked 31st in DVOA last year (30th weighted). They made some significant additions to the secondary with Shaq Griffin in free agency and Andre Cisco and Tyson Campbell via the draft, but the front-seven could still use some help. Overall, the defense appears subpar and will likely be what keeps the Jaguars out of contention this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 NFL Futures Bet Tips
Jaguars To Win Over 6 Games (-121)
Jacksonville’s defense may rank towards the bottom again, but there is way too much talent on this roster to not win at least six games in a 17-game season. Their offensive firepower alone will keep them in games, especially if Lawrence plays up to expectations. Facing the Houston Texans twice is already two “gimme" wins, and the Indianapolis Colts appear due for regression. This is a smash bet.
Jaguars To Finish 2nd In AFC South (+210)
The AFC South is the Tennessee Titans’ to lose, especially after landing Julio Jones in the offseason. The rest of the division is up for grabs, though. The Texans are a lock to finish last, meaning the Jags will finish no worse than third. All they have to do is outplay the Colts, who could be in serious trouble if Carson Wentz doesn’t bounce back. With Jacksonville and Indy trending in opposite directions, there’s a real possibility the Jaguars surpass the Colts and finish second this year.
Jaguars To Miss Playoffs (-430)
The only rookie QB to ever lead his team to double-digit wins was Andrew Luck, who led the Colts to 11 victories back in 2012. Lawrence will help the Jags a lot, but they still have too many holes to have a legitimate shot at 10+ wins and a playoff spot. There are just too many good teams in the AFC, and even with the expanded playoff field it’s hard to see Jacksonville making it. They could come close, but they still appear at least one year away.
