Carolina Panthers (2-13) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7)
Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars December 31, 2023 – The NFL Week 17 showcases a compelling clash as the Carolina Panthers, holding a disappointing 2-13 record, visit the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are looking stronger with an 8-7 standing. This game, scheduled for Sunday, at EverBank Stadium, is drawing significant attention in the realm of NFL betting picks. The Panthers, desperately seeking a redeeming victory, face a challenging task against the Jaguars, who are eyeing a positive end to their regular season.
Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars December 31, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Bryce Young QB vs. Trevor Lawrence QB
Bryce Young has flashed promise in his first professional season but has struggled finding consistency. The former Heisman winner has accounted for 16 total touchdowns but has been limited due to injuries and a lack of weapons. While his accuracy and arm talent jump off the screen, Young has battled turnover issues far too often. He faces a staunch Jaguars pass defense this week that ranks in the top half of the league. For Carolina to hang around, Young must avoid mistakes and utilize his athleticism to create offense. Still learning the speed of the pro game, he would benefit from establishing short, high-percentage attempts early on to get into a rhythm.
Trevor Lawrence has enjoyed a breakout campaign. He has ascended into one of the most dangerous young quarterbacks, accounting for 25 total touchdowns with 3,736 passing yards. Lawrence boasts elite size and arm strength which he has learned to harness with improved decision making pre- and post-snap. He spearheads an electric Jacksonville offense primed to exploit the Panthers’ underwhelming defense. With the arm to stretch the field and athleticism to create outside of structure, Lawrence enters Sunday with a full arsenal at his disposal. Carolina has struggled containing dual threat quarterbacks, an ominous sign for their hopes of slowing down Lawrence.
Panthers’ Offensive Struggle
The Panthers have relied heavily on Chuba Hubbard for running back duties, who has amassed 774 yards despite only averaged 3.8 yards per attempt. Adam Thielen stands out with 964 reception yards as a reliable target despite their overall offensive struggles.
Jaguars’ Balanced Attack
The Jaguars’ offense is more balanced, led by Travis Etienne Jr.’s 849 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns as an effective rusher. Calvin Ridley is their leading receiver with 871 receiving yards to provide Lawrence Lawrence a reliable option in the air game.
NFL Betting Odds: Jacksonville Jaguars -275, Over/Under: 37.5
The Jaguars are clear favorites in this matchup, reflected in their Moneyline of -275. The over/under is set at a modest 37.5 points, indicating expectations of a lower-scoring game, possibly due to the Panthers’ offensive struggles.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Carolina’s last 9 games.
Carolina are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games.
Carolina are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against Jacksonville.
Panthers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against Jacksonville.
Carolina are 0-8 SU in their last 8 games on the road.
Carolina are 2-10 SU in their last 12 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Trends
Jacksonville are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
Jaguars are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
Jacksonville are 3-17 SU in their last 20 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Jacksonville’s last 7 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference South division.
Jacksonville are 3-13 SU in their last 16 games played in December.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Jacksonville’s last 8 games played in week 17.
Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Picks
Considering these statistics and trends, the Jaguars appear to be the stronger team, both in terms of winning and potentially covering the spread. The Panthers, while having an edge historically against Jacksonville, do not seem in form to exploit it this season.
For those looking at online sportsbook options, the Jaguars seem like a solid pick for a straight win. However, the Panthers might cover the spread, given the Jaguars’ recent ATS struggles. The over/under is a tough call, but given the Panthers’ offensive woes, betting on the under might be the safer option.
Receiving Yards Prop: Jaguars 23, Panthers 12.
