Tampa Bay at Jacksonville Preseason Week 2 Expert Pick

Posted by Aaron . on August 19, 2016 in

The NFL odds for the Tampa Bay – Jacksonville tilt reflect the fact that the game is taking place on the First Coast, and the fact that the Jaguars have brought major upgrades to their rushing game and their defense from a season ago. The Buccaneers went through a significant improvement as well, as Jameis Winston gained confidence and led the team (briefly) into playoff contention, and the defense developed a scary pass rush.

How to Bet on the Tampa Bay at Jacksonville Preseason Week 2 Expert Pick

When: Saturday, August 20, 2016, 7:30pm ET
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL
TV: Channel 4 Jacksonville
Radio: Tampa Bay / Jacksonville
Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: Jacksonville (-3), O/U 40.5 points

Why should you bet on Tampa Bay?

The Buccaneers showed a fierce pass rush, holding Eagles top pick Carson Wentz to a 5-for- 11 performance with an interception and driving him from the game (and from the next few games) with a fractured rib. Vernon Hargreaves posted a pass defensed on the only attempt that came his way — and he could have intercepted the ball. Robert Ayers, a free agent signee, picked up a hury and three hits on a dozen pass rushes. With the offense rounding out nicely, the Buccaneers could be a surprise contender in the NFC South this season.

Why should you put your money on the Jaguars?

The Jaguars have a tough one-two punch combo in their running backfield with T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory. They only combined for 10 attempts in Week 1, but they picked up 52 yards on those runs (including 39 after contact), forcing three missed tackles. So Blake Bortles will have a solid running game to take the pressure off him when he drops back to pass — and it will make the play-action pass a much more credible option. Myles Jack played a solid game in pass coverage and against the run from his linebacker position, so if he can limit mental mistakes such as the unnecessary roughness penalty he took in the preseason opener, the Jaguars have a new anchor in the center of the defense.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Jacksonville has the home field advantage, and they showed more on both sides of the ball than Tampa Bay did in the opener. I like the Jaguars to win, 24-16.