Titans Jaguars Betting – Jaguars Look To Open Season By Making Statement At Home Against Division Rivals

In a division dominated by the Indianapolis Colts, and projected to be passed on to the Houston Texans this sports betting season, the remaining two AFC South teams are left searching for an identity. The Jacksonville Jaguars can be a force if their newest additions are able to elevate the returning starters after an 8-8 season, but there is still work to be done. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are starting over with a new head coach and new quarterback, but feel they still have the weapons to remain relevant.

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Sunday September 11, 2011 – 1:00 PM ET

Everbank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

NFL Betting Lines : Jacksonville Jaguars - 3

Opening the season with high expectations in front of a packed house in Jacksonville could serve as a major momentum boost, but it can also bring added pressure. Head coach Jack Del Rio’s calm demeanor will be important, and continuity could be one of the biggest differences in this matchup.

NFL Betting Preview: Tennessee Titans

With head coach Jeff Fisher moving on, and the Titans opting to bring in veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, in a lockout-shortened offseason, the first couple of weeks of the season will be a major test for Tennessee. The presence of one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers should help with Chris Johnson on the field, but the fact that he missed the entire preseason could have a negative effect. Johnson will still get a ton of touches regardless, and if he performs well he can help open things up for Hasselbeck and the passing game. The Titans’ defense is also in transition and dealing with a couple of key injuries on the defensive line, so they will need to work together as a cohesive unit to slow down the Jaguars’ attack.

NFL Betting Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

This season marks what could be the beginning or end of an era in Jacksonville, as Del Rio and a group of core players look to prove that they can carry this franchise to bigger things, or take their exit cue. Quarterback David Garrard continues to make progress as a passer and still has the legs to move the chain, while running back Maurice Jones-Drew remains among the top running backs in the league. The offense will get a boost from the addition of wide receiver Jason Hill, while on the defensive side of the ball Paul Pozluszny has already established his self as a tackle machine.

NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

The Jaguars have enough talent that if they can operate at an elite level and play with consistency they could be in the hunt for a postseason position. The Titans have undergone a ton of change, and they may not have the horse to get them through the transition. Jacksonville will be fired up to get things done in front of a home crowd, and will open their season up by making a sports betting bonus statement.