Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) rolls opt to pass during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
- The Atlanta Falcons conclude their preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday night at 7 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
- Jacksonville is a perfect 2-0 on the preseason thus far while Atlanta is still looking for its first win.
- Keep scrolling for a further look at the latest odds, best picks and a prediction for Friday’s preseason tilt.
The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-0) travel to Atlanta to face off against the Falcons (0-2) for the final week of NFL preseason. The game is slated for kickoff at 7 p.m. on NFL Network.
Jacksonville is expected to play starters extended minutes on Friday, so expect to see Trevor Lawrence and Co. well into the 2nd quarter. Lawrence got some run in Week 1 of the preseason against Kansas City.
The Falcons, on the other hand, will not be playing starters on Friday. They’ll instead hand the ball to Taylor Heinicke. Michael Penix, the Falcons’ No. 2 QB and a top-10 pick in this offseason’s NFL Draft, will not suit up Friday either.
Keep scrolling for a prediction for Jaguars v. Falcons.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediction
This one isn’t too hard to understand – I’m taking the Jaguars to win because they’re playing starters, and even if they weren’t playing starters they have been the better team so far this preseason.
Mac Jones, who backs up Lawrence, has had a great preseason in Jacksonville. He threw for 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns in last week’s win over the Buccaneers.
Atlanta has been fine on the defensive end, but they’ve really struggled to score points this preseason with Penix and Heinicke at the helm of the offense. The Falcons have scored just 2 touchdowns across 8 quarters of play.
I’d be surprised if this one is close considering the Jaguars should play starters deep into the 2nd quarter.
Jaguars 24, Falcons 7
Jaguars vs. Falcons Odds (Fanatics)
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jaguars | -7.5 (+100) | -350 | O 35.5 (-110) |
| Atlanta Falcons | +7.5 (-120) | +260 | U 35.5 (-110) |
Odds above via Fanatics Sportsbook. Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook promo code for a look at one of the best welcome offers in the business.
Fanatics likes the Jaguars for Friday night, listing Jacksonville as -7.5 favorites (+100). The Falcons are -120 to win or keep the game within 7 points.
The moneyline is where you can see how favored the Jaguars really are. Jacksonville is -350 compared to +260 for Atlanta to win outright.
The Over/Under for this matchup has been set at 35.5, which is about average for the Week 3 Preseason slate.
Jaguars vs. Falcons Names to Watch
- Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars QB
- Taylor Heinicke, Falcons QB
- Chris Blair, Falcons WR
Lawrence saw one drive in the Jaguars’ preseason debut, completing 3 of his 4 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. He’ll see more time this time around and given he’ll be playing the Falcons’ 2nd team, it may be a bit of a massacre. For what it’s worth, Mac Jones has had a strong preseason behind him so the Jaguars should be set at QB on Friday.
Heinicke is the Falcons’ No. 3 QB and is battling Michael Penix for the No. 2 spot, though it’s definitely an uphill battle. Let’s see if he can lead the Falcons on a few touchdown drives.
Blair will be a top target on Friday, as he’s been their best skill player so far this preseason. Blair, who played at Alcorn State, has hauled in 6 receptions for 136 yards so far, and he’s led the Falcons in receptions both times. He could very well play his way into a roster spot on Friday.
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Down South and contributor with SBD!