NFL Futures: Head coach Gus Bradley inherited a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team last year and yet was able to keep his outmanned charges from giving up and packing it in as the Jags won four out of their five games from November 10 through December 5. Jacksonville still has plenty of things to fix but it was to Bradley’s credit that they at least kept fighting to the end in a totally helpless cause. It looks like it will still be years before this team is ready for serious contention however. The Jags opened as the biggest underdog on the NFL futures board at 200/1 to win the Super Bowl and at 100/1 to win the AFC. Jacksonville opened with an over under win total of 5 -130 over and at even money under.
Nowhere to go but Up?
The Jaguars ranked 31st overall for total offense and dead last for scoring offense while ranking 28th in the NFL for total defense and 28th for scoring defense. Number one draft choice Blake Bortles could be the franchise savior at QB but veteran Chad Henne will open as the probable starter.
Handicapper’s Notes
The Jaguars have been a horrible board value at home as they have covered just three out of their last 16 games against the spread at EverBank Field with just six out of their last 17 home games going over the total. The Jaguars have been a better value on the road with 10 payouts against the spread in their last 17 road games as just six out of their last 18 away games going under the total. This solid board value on the road can be attributed to the NFL line makers adding a few extra points to the Jaguars side in order to scare off betting against them and to even out the action with bargain hunters who can appreciate betting value. The Jaguars have paid out in just six out of their last 20 games against the spread as a favorite with seven out of their last nine games as a chalk going under the total.
Our Prognosis
Bargain hunters should keep a sharp eye on the Jags as they will likely continue to get enhanced value from line makers wanting even action!
