NFL Preseason Week 1 is underway as fans get their first look at their favorite teams and players in some exhibition matches.
The Jaguars and Steelers will play their first game of the preseason on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. ET.
Jacksonville is a 4.5-point favorite and -218 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 37.5 points.
Here’s my prediction and pick for Saturday’s Jaguars vs. Steelers matchup.
Jaguars vs. Steelers prediction
The big name for tonight’s Jaguars vs. Steelers game is Travis Hunter. The Jaguars selected the two-way phenom from Colorado with the No. 2 overall pick. He’s expected to spend time on both sides of the ball, but it remains to be seen how he’ll fare with such a heavy workload.
Hunter will get some playing time in the Jaguars preseason opener against the Steelers. He’ll play alongside some starters in this game.
The Steelers, however, won’t be playing their starters. Aaron Rodgers is the big name on their end as he signed a one-year deal with the team in the offseason. It gives a significant advantage to the Jaguars, even if the starters only play one or two drives.
Jaguars vs. Steelers pick, best bet
The Steelers are not playing their starters in the preseason opener, which is a reason why the Jaguars are favored by 4.5 points. Starters don’t always make that big of an impact in preseason matches, but it should be enough for Jacksonville to cover the spread.
The moneyline is safer bet, but the odds are at -218. There isn’t enough value there unless parlayed with another bet.