Jaguars vs. Dolphins Week 1 NFL Final Score Prediction (Defense Wins, But Which Offense Has the Edge?)

The Jaguars and Dolphins will meet in the Sunshine State on Sunday in Week 1 of the season.

Both teams have potent offenses, including arguably the Dolphins’ best wide receiver, pass catcher Tyreek Hill, but it’s the defensive changes that are key to this game. Each team is looking to improve its chances of making a run at the Super Bowl and has done so by improving its defense with offseason acquisitions.

Here’s how to bet on the Jaguars vs. Dolphins on Sunday.

Proliferation

Money line

Total: 49.5 (over -108/under -112)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Our Iain MacMillan believes we will see some defensive struggles in this match.

With one of the higher numbers on the Week 1 schedule, MacMillan believes the offseason changes both teams made to their defenses could result in a lower-than-expected result.

I think the total in this game is a bit over the top considering people’s perception of these two teams. Yes, the Dolphins had one of the most explosive offenses in football last season, but both teams have significantly improved their defenses.

The Jaguars re-signed key players Joshua Hines-Allen and Foye Oluokun, and added players like Arik Armstead and Darnell Savage. The Dolphins also added a number of key players on that side of the ball, including Calais Campbell, Jordyn Brooks, Jordan Poyer and Kendall Fuller

Both defenses are poised to take a step forward this year and surprise a few people. For that reason, I think the total for this all-Florida matchup is a tad high.

In a game where the outcome could depend on the defense of each team, I will try to back the home team and win a close game.

Predicted Final Score: Dolphins 24, Jaguars 20

Game odds are refreshed periodically and are subject to change.

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