Broncos Jaguars Betting – Jaguars Battle Hard, But Fall To Broncos
Sports betting players watched Denver suffer one of the toughest losses ever in the first week of the 2009 season, and the Broncos will aim to avenge that when they head to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars, who haven’t improved that much from last year’s squad, and the Broncos will roll to a win on the road.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, September 12th, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL
- Pick: Denver Broncos +3
What’s On The Line
The Broncos collapsed down the stretch last year, but they showed a lot of promise in Josh McDaniels’ first season as head coach. The Jaguars were the epitome of mediocre, and even though their 7-9 record was one game worse than Denver’s, they were never in the picture in the AFC. Denver rookie Tim Tebow is a Jacksonville native, but as the third-string quarterback, he probably won’t see the field unless McDaniels brings him in for the Wildcat.
Offensive Matchups: Broncos Jaguars Betting
Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback in Denver, but the Broncos have a whole list of offensive players who missed time over the preseason because of injuries. Orton’s going to need all of his weapons, especially now that Brandon Marshall is gone. Knowshon Moreno was also hurt in the preseason, but he’ll be ready for this game and he’ll probably get a lot of work. The most important injury may be left tackle Ryan Clady, who is responsible for Orton’s blind side.
The Jaguars are led by David Garrard, who needs to step up and be the leader that Jacksonville thinks he can be. Garrard had a great 2007, and has been distinctly underwhelming since, although to be fair he doesn’t have a lot of help at receiver. Maurice Jones-Drew figures to get a lot of work this year in the backfield, and the offensive line is decent enough.
Betting Edge: Broncos
Defensive Matchups: Broncos Jaguars Betting
Don Martindale takes over for the departed Mike Nolan as the coordinator, but the Broncos figured to have a great defense anyway. That all changed when Elvis Dumervil tore a pectoral muscle and was lost for what will probably be the year. Dumervil led the league in sacks last year, and his loss has a massive effect on their NFL betting odds. The secondary is easily the best group of the unit with Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins bringing their considerable experience to the table, but the loss of Dumervil could expose the front seven as being ordinary unless someone steps up.
Jacksonville’s defense was 23rd in the league, and it’s tough to say they’ll be better in 2010. Aaron Kampman has to show he can be a pass-rush threat after a knee injury, Rookie tackle Tyson Alualu is under huge pressure to show he deserved to be a top-10 pick, and he improved as the preseason wore on. The secondary is susceptible to big plays and that continued in the preseason. The Jaguars’ main goal should be to get more pressure on the quarterbacks (Dumervil’s 17 sacks last year was more than the Jaguars altogether), and that will help the rest of the team.
Betting Edge: Broncos
Notable Injuries: Broncos Jaguars Betting
Rookie receiver Demaryius Thomas (foot) may not be ready for this game, along with fellow receiver Brandon Stokley (groin), while Clady (knee) may not play as much as the Broncos would like.
The Jaguars come into this game with a clean bill of health, and they’re going to need all hands on deck.
Betting Edge: Jaguars
Outlook and Pick: Broncos Jaguars Betting
The Jaguars are 3-point NFL betting favorites in this contest at home, and Denver has won just one of three meetings with Jacksonville in 2004. All three meetings have come in Florida, so the Broncos won’t be shook about the travelling and time difference. The Jaguars don’t have the pass rush to be much of a threat to Orton, and the Denver offensive line may have their way with the young Jaguars up front. The defense can also get caught out for big plays, and McDaniels will figure out a way to take advantage of it. Take the Broncos for the online betting upset on the road.
Stan’s Pick: Denver Broncos
