It’s going to be a pivotal season for both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins. The pressure is on these players and coaches to deliver results after some subpar results. This last week of the NFL preseason gives them some clarity on how these teams will look going into Week 1.
The Dolphins are -6 favorites at home in this game on DraftKings Sportsbook. Miami is a -425 favorite on the Moneyline with the total set at 38.5 points. Let’s get into a preview, prediction, and pick for this Jaguars-Dolphins game.
Jaguars vs. Dolphins preview, prediction
Jaguars Overview
It seemed like the Jaguars had turned things around after the Urban Meyer fiasco. Former Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson had coached them to two straight winning seasons and a playoff appearance. Things were on the rise in Duval. Then a 4–13 season struck like a hurricane, getting Pederson and GM Trent Baalke fired. With new leadership at the helm, they’re trying to turn things around in a hurry. And they made big moves to do so.
Trading up for Travis Hunter was a bold move that appears to be paying off in the preseason. He gives Trevor Lawrence a shifty weapon next to sophomore sensation Brian Thomas Jr., in addition to a significant contribution in the secondary. And that’s not where the additions ended.
Trading up for Travis Hunter was a bold move that appears to be paying off in the preseason. He gives Trevor Lawrence a shifty weapon next to sophomore sensation Brian Thomas Jr., in addition to a significant contribution in the secondary. And that’s not where the additions ended.
The Jaguars signed six projected starting players in this offseason. Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari beefed up the interior offensive line. Dyami Brown should start outside in three-wide sets alongside Hunter and BTJ. Jourdan Lewis will work out of the slot-corner spot, with Eric Murray as the box safety. To top it off, Dennis Gardeck is the top sub-linebacker alongside the star pair of Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd.
They also spent their remaining draft picks to shore up depth at positions of need: two interior linemen, two running backs, two linebackers, and two secondary pieces. So far, the early returns have been solid. Combined with their free agent depth additions and veteran holdovers, it has created a very competitive environment in the preseason.
New head coach Liam Coen has his work cut out for him to settle this pecking order. Saturday’s game will go a long way toward setting a Week 1 depth chart.
Dolphins Overview
The Miami Dolphins have had Mike McDaniel at the helm for three seasons and have won 27 total games in those three years. But with one playoff appearance in those three and a losing record last season, the wunderkind may be coaching for his job this season.
His offense will more or less look the same, hopefully with better health. Tua Tagovailoa is under center for his sixth season in Miami, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle lining up on the outside. De’Von Achane returns for his third season as their explosive tailback. One notable change at the skill position: Darren Waller, a former retiree and musical artist, is back in the NFL and expected to start at tight end.
Getting Waller up to speed while tuning up the first-team players is the top priority for the offense this preseason. The real intrigue is on the defensive side of the ball.
Miami beefed up the defensive line by drafting edge rusher Kenneth Grant in the first round and signing pass-rushing linebacker Matthew Judon. Those two should complement Bradley Chubb well. He missed the entire 2024 season. If Zach Sieler can post another strong season while Chop Robinson continues to develop, this could be a fierce pass rush.
GM Chris Grier completely overhauled the secondary for this season. Four of their five projected starters arrived this summer. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kendall Sheffield, and Mike Hilton will all be playing in South Beach for the first time. It’s going to take some time to adjust to Jalen Ramsey’s absence, but this was a big first step to replace him.
The rookies also bear watching on the defense. In addition to Grant, Miami spent three fifth-rounders and a seventh on depth pieces in the secondary and on the line. That quintet of first-years should get some snaps on Saturday, making this one more interesting.
Jaguars vs. Dolphins pick, best bet
The imbalance in this line is twofold: the Dolphins have the better roster and will play their starters to begin the game, while the Jaguars are resting their starters. The latter point gives Miami a distinct edge, but I’m not as sold on the former.
Jacksonville’s activity in the offseason has pushed some decent players down the depth chart. And while the Nick Mullens–John Wolford–Seth Hanigan QB trio isn’t very inspiring, neither is a Zach Wilson–Quinn Ewers duo. The quality of quarterback play, or lack thereof, brings these teams down to the same level. So, we might as well take the value.
