Week three of the NFL Preseason comes to an end on Monday, August 23, 2021, when the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the New Orleans Saints. Jacksonville opened their preseason with a loss to the Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans fell at the Baltimore Ravens. This game will air live on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Jacksonville is riding high with #1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence looking to make his mark right away, but the Jaguars are still trying to figure out who he will be handing the ball off to during the season. The Jacksonville running back room is stacked with talent as James Robinson, Travis Etienne, Lawrence’s college teammate, and reliable veteran Carlos Hyde are all vying for a role on this Jaguars offense. My guess would be Robinson getting the start and the bulk of the carries, but Etienne having more of an impact on the game.
The New Orleans Saints are looking to find a starting QB for the first time since Drew Brees signed back in 2006. Former #1 pick Jameis Winston and, Swiss army knife, Taysom Hill are the two guys looking to keep the Saints afloat this upcoming season. I would guess that Jameis is named the starting QB, but we will see plenty of Hill every game.
Below is my best bet for preseason action between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks. All lines are from Tipico Sportsbook.
Spread: Saints -4
Total: O/U 38.5
Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints Pick
Jacksonville started their preseason with a 23-13 home loss to the Cleveland Browns backups. Trevor Lawrence made his debut and impressed right away by going 6/9 for 71 yards. The running back battle did not exactly take off as the three guys vying for the starting spot combined for 19 yards on six carries. There were 15 Jacksonville players to catch a pass in this game and the Jaguars appear to have some nice weapons on the offensive side of the ball. The defense allowed 360 total yards and did not force any turnovers on the night.
New Orleans fell to the Baltimore Ravens, like every other team in the preseason, 17-14 in game one. The QB battle heated up as Jameis Winston went 7/12 for 96 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Taysom Hill went 8/12 for 81 yards and one interception. New Orleans allowed 309 total yards, forced once interception, and recovered one fumble against Baltimore.
Series History: New Orleans leads the all-time series 5-2 and have outscored Jacksonville 174-141.
Game Prediction: Give me New Orleans -4 on Monday night.