NCAAB
Spread

Jaguars vs Lions Predictions & Best Bets

Last Updated: Aug 15, 2023

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions are two of the up-and-coming teams in the National Football League. Both finished 9-8 last season after recording just three wins each in 2021.

Both teams got their 2023 campaigns started with preseason victories last week. Because of the playmakers involved on both sides, I expect Saturday’s contest to be more entertaining than your standard preseason affair.

Jaguars vs Lions Odds

NFL odds used for this Jacksonville vs Detroit City preview were found at FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook are current as of August 14 at 8:00 PM ET.

  • Moneyline: Jaguars (-180) • Lions (+150)
  • Spread: Jaguars -4 (-110) • Lions +4 (-110)
  • Total Points: Over 39 (-110) • Under 39 (-110)
  • Implied Score: Jaguars 21.5, Lions 17.5

Jaguars vs Lions Predictions

Score Pick: Jaguars 23, Lions 20

Unlike many teams, Jacksonville threw many star players into the fray to begin the preseason. Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Christian Kirk, and Calvin Ridley all saw action last weekend.

This usage should continue and potentially increase on Saturday. Lawrence and Kirk hooked up for a score last week, and Ridley added dimension to this offense.

The Lions sport some offensive firepower as well. But Jared Goff, David Montgomery, and Amon-Ra St. Brown sat last week. It remains to be seen how much, if any, the trio will play on Saturday.

Either way, Jacksonville’s skill players should see more action than their Detroit counterparts. That has me leaning toward the Jaguars in this game.

Jaguars vs Lions Best Bets & Props

Jaguars (-180)

FanDuel Sportsbook • 0.5 units

Under normal circumstances, I am inclined to lay the points in this moneyline. However, when it comes to preseason football, it is often best to expect the unexpected.

Jacksonville decided to forego extra points in their win a week ago, attempting two-point conversions after all four touchdowns. I would hate to end up on the wrong end of a hook because of a failed two-point attempt.

For those reasons, I am opting to play the moneyline instead. But because the line is -180, I prefer only to play this for half a unit to minimize any potential risk involved.

Jacksonville Jaguars Winning Margin 1-13 Points (+140)

FanDuel Sportsbook • 1 unit

Jacksonville will continue ramping up their star players’ usage, particularly on offense. This should lead to some early scoring on their part.

Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Nathan Rourke acquitted himself quite nicely in his NFL debut last weekend. He should be able to finish this game strongly and help secure a victory for Jacksonville.

The Lions are talented in their own right and appear content to play these games close to the vest. That should lead to a relatively close ball game. This margin of victory pick is my NFL bet of the day.

Jaguars vs Lions Same Game Parlay

Jaguars vs Lions SGP (+190)

DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units

  • Jacksonville Moneyline (-192)
  • Over 39 Total Points (-110)

Please note that FanDuel is not allowing an SGP for this game as of this writing. They do have the Jaguars ML at -180, so once an SGP becomes available, the odds for this play should be more favorable on FanDuel than on DraftKings.

While picking Jacksonville to win, I anticipate this to be a close contest. The Lions have plenty of offensive potential, so I expect both teams to put points on the board. This should be one of the best games on this week’s slate.

Related articles

Promotions

Get $1,500 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets or First Bet Safety Net

5 stars

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Get A Bonus Bet Up to $1,000

5 stars

Get $200 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Get up to $250 2nd Chance Free Bet

5 stars

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY).

Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI).

All betting content on TheGameDay.com is exclusively intended for audience members 21 years and older who are permitted to gamble in legal states. The Game Day may earn revenue from site visitor referrals to betting services.

Responsible Gaming: Many sportsbooks offer ways to encourage responsible gaming, including the establishment of limits to deposits, spending, and time dedicated to betting.

The Game Day is a TGD Marketing Ltd. endeavor.