Steelers vs. Jaguars Preseason Week 2 NFL Picks: Pittsburgh Continues Life After Big Ben
As the starters get a little bit more playing time, which team will look more like its ready for the start of the regular season? Find out who we like in our Pittsburgh Steelers-Jacksonville Jaguars picks.
With one week of preseason football in the books, Week 2 should showcase the starters for a little longer. Starters normally play for the first half by Week 2.
Here are our picks and predictions for the preseason Week 2 matchup between the Steelers and Jaguars (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, SBK; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Steelers vs. Jaguars Game Info
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+
Location: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Weather: 82 degrees, 17% chance of precipitation, 6-mph winds
Steelers vs. Jaguars Odds Analysis
While this game opened up with Pittsburgh at +125 on the moneyline, the line has gone to +165 at FanDuel. Meanwhile, if you’re on the Jaguars, the best place to grab them is at DraftKings where they are -125 on the ML.
The Steelers opened as two-point favorites, but early money has shifted the lines greatly, making the Steelers three-and-a-half-point dogs on most books.
The total was originally 38, but with most games hitting the Over last week, the total now sits at 43 at Caesars.
Steelers vs. Jaguars ATS Pick
Steelers +3.5 (-105)
The Steelers' biggest offensive threat, running back Najee Harris, didn’t play last week. It didn’t seem to matter as all three of their quarterbacks played very well. Mitch Trubisky threw for 63 yards and a touchdown in two series of play, Mason Rudolph threw for 93 yards and a touchdown, and rookie Kenny Pickett finished with 95 yards and two pass TDs. The rushing game looked strong as well, even without Harris. Anthony McFarland ran the ball seven times for 56 yards.
The Jaguars, on the other hand, didn’t do much outside of their starters' play. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw the ball 12 times, connecting six times for 95 yards and a touchdown. Running back Travis Etienne was only able to run for 2.5 yards per carry. The Jaguars’ other two quarterbacks threw interceptions. The Steelers should be able to continue to bottle up this struggling offense.
Steelers vs. Jaguars O/U Pick
Over 43 (-110)
Even though most of the games went Over last week and we should see some regression this week, I don’t think this is the game we will see it. Jacksonville will likely open up its offense more, giving the starters more playing time and the opportunity to move the ball down the field.
The Steelers’ offense looked to be working very efficiently no matter who was playing quarterback. I like this game to stick to the totals trend from last week and go Over.
Steelers vs. Jaguars Prop Pick
Steelers +0.5 1st Quarter (-141)
It is especially hard to find prop picks on preseason games. However, shop lines and look to get creative. At least one book is showing Pittsburgh's first-quarter spread of +0.5 at -141. I think the Steelers’ starters will outplay the Jaguars’ starters, so this seems like a safe bet.
Where to Bet on Steelers vs. Jaguars Picks
Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:
SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.
Steelers-Jaguars picks made 8/18/2022 at 12:24 a.m. ET
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