Miami Dolphins predictions vs Jacksonville Jaguars: NFL experts make Week 1 picks
The 2024 NFL season is off and running! Two Florida teams face off in Week 1 to determine which starts off on the right foot: the Miami Dolphins or the Jacksonville Jaguars?
The two sides share more in common than just a home state. Both signed their quarterbacks to big contract extensions over the offseason, with the Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence getting his five-year, $275 million deal about a month before the Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa received his for four years and $212 million. Both also underachieved in 2023, with Miami once again failing to win a playoff game and Jacksonville missing the postseason altogether.
The Dolphins bring back their offense full of stars, led by the NFL's leading receiver in Tyreek Hill (1,799 yards in 2023) and touchdown scorer in Raheem Mostert (21). De'Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle and newcomer Odell Beckham Jr. round out coach Mike McDaniel's offensive arsenal. The defense will have to start the year without star pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, and it could be without cornerback Jalen Ramsey, too.
Watch Dolphins vs Jaguars live on Fubo (free trail)
The Jaguars, meanwhile, revamped their receiving corps, letting Calvin Ridley go and replacing him with Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. Running back Travis Etienne and tight end Evan Engram are back, as is WR Christian Kirk, giving coach Doug Pederson's offense plenty of weapons. The defense has a new secondary to work behind pass rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Who starts the 2024 season off with a win? NFL reporters and analysts weigh in with their picks:
USA TODAY: Dolphins win
All four writers for USA TODAY backed Miami. Tyler Dragon predicted a 28-24 final score: "This intrastate matchup could be one of the best games of Week 1. Doug Pederson, Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are looking to rebound after last year’s collapse. But Jacksonville is going to have a tough time slowing down Miami’s speed on offense. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will be matchup problems for Jacksonville’s secondary."
Sporting News: Dolphins win
Vinnie Iyer picked Miami 31-24: "Tua Tagovailoa and Lawrence both got lucrative contract extensions as 2020 first-rounders, so the expectations will be raised. For Week 1, the home Florida team wins on the strength of the more impactful pass defense."
Bill Bender picked Miami 34-28: "They are a fast-start team, and Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill should be able to restore their connection. The defense will be healthy, too. Can Trevor Lawrence turn this into a shootout and make it the highest-scoring game of the week?"
Bleacher Report: Dolphins win 31-27
Gary Davenport was one of five people on Bleacher Report's eight-member panel to pick Miami. "Jacksonville enters the season as the better team defensively — especially with Miami's pass-rushers banged up after Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb both suffered devastating injuries late last season. But Miami's offense is so loaded with speed (and healthy) that it would be a surprise if the Dolphins don't hit 30 points with ease. And with that being the case, lay the points."
CBS Sports: Jaguars and Dolphins run up the score
Pete Prisco picked Jacksonville to win 34-31: "Both teams should be really good on offense, while the defenses might take time. Miami is fast, which will cause problems for the Jacksonville secondary. But the Jaguars will also score against a Miami pass rush that is missing some key players. The Jaguars will win it late with a field goal."
Will Brinson says to take the over: "The Dolphins pass rush is in shambles right now and I don't think they'll be able to stop anyone. The Jaguars will want to showcase their new vertical weapons in Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis. ... Plus, the Jags have to keep up with Miami, a notoriously hot-starting team with TONS of weapons between Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De'Von Achane and the newly added Jonnu Smith/Malik Washington combo."
Jordan Dajani picked Miami 30-24: "The Dolphins have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and the defense is now headed by Anthony Weaver, who comes over from Baltimore. The Dolphins are 10-1 straight up, and 9-2 against the spread as a favorite when Tua Tagovailoa starts, so give me Miami in Week 1."
Pro Football Talk: Split between Dolphins and Jaguars
Mike Florio picked Miami 34-27, but Chris Simms went with Jacksonville 34-30. "We both see a shootout, but we disagree on the outcome. (Why does Chris hate the Dolphins?)" Florio wrote.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Dolphins win 28-21
Gerry Dulac writes: "The Jaguars tanked away a division title last year when they lost five of their last six games, allowing the Texans to sneak into the postseason. The Dolphins have to prove they are good enough to not lose to the Ravens, Bills and Chiefs, which is how they ended their 2023 season."
NFL.com: Dolphins win
All five members of NFL.com's panel backed Miami. Dan Parr picked a final score of 30-24: "No quarterback got rid of the ball faster than Tua Tagovailoa last season (2.36 seconds time to throw, per Next Gen Stats). That will be a strong counter to whatever (Jags defensive coordinator Ryan) Nielsen is able to scheme up with his pass rush. I expect a lot of points to be scored in the type of game that plays into Mike McDaniel's hands."
Dolphins vs Jaguars game odds, spread and lines
Miami is favored to defeat Jacksonville, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.
All odds as of Thursday, Sept. 5.
Spread: Dolphins -3½
Over/under: 49
Moneyline: Jaguars +145, Dolphins -175
How to watch Miami Dolphins vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Time, TV channel, streaming
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, September 8
Where: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+ (7-day free trial) | Fubo (7-day free trial)
Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Dolphins vs Jaguars predictions, odds for NFL Week 1 game
