The Jacksonville Jaguars begin a new era by hosting the Cleveland Browns Saturday in the 2021 preseason opener for both sides. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET at TIAA Bank Field. Below, we look at the Browns at Jaguars odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Jaguars will split quarterback duties between rookie and No. 1 overall draft pick QB Trevor Lawrence and incumbent veteran Gardner Minshew. Many expect Lawrence to be under center in Week 1 of the regular season, but Minshew has been adamant he won’t give up the starting role without his best fight.
Head coach Urban Meyer and RB Travis Etienne are also among the new pieces making their game debuts for the Jaguars.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said this week he’ll rest most of his key starters Saturday. The quarterback duties will be split between Case Keenum and Kyle Lauletta as they battle to back up Baker Mayfield in 2021.
Browns at Jaguars odds, spread and lines
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:05 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Browns +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Jaguars -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Browns +2.5 (+100) | Jaguars -2.5 (-125)
- Total: 36.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)
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Browns at Jaguars odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Jaguars 27, Browns 17
Money line
These lines are indicative of the changing times for two of the NFL’s longest-suffering franchises.
The books are rightfully favoring the host Jaguars as they head into preseason play with many intriguing depth chart battles at key offensive positions. Meanwhile, the Browns seem to have finally graduated from sorting out their first-team offense and defense, and will instead be giving longer looks to those further down the depth chart Saturday.
Back the JAGUARS (-145) as moderate favorites with Lawrence and Minshew both likely to put on a show for their new coach.
Against the spread
The better bet is to go with the JAGUARS -2.5 (-125) for the hosts to win by at least 3 points.
Outside of the QB battle, Etienne will be trying to usurp 2020 star RB James Robinson. The first-team wide receivers, including veteran Marvin Jones are also expected to get lengthy looks alongside their signal-callers.
Over/Under
Jaguars-Browns sets up to be one of the more intriguing matchups of the Week 1 preseason schedule. Back the OVER 36.5 (-125) with the highly motivated hosts capable of handling most of the scoring.
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