Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars VS New Orleans Saints 2025-08-17
Jaguars vs. Saints Preseason Showdown: A Tale of Two (Leaky) Defenses
The Jacksonville Jaguars, fresh off a preseason-opening loss to the Steelers that had their defense looking more âporousâ than a colander in a hurricane, now face the New Orleans Saints on August 17. Letâs break down the numbers, news, and why this game might be the NFL version of watching paint dry.
Parsing the Odds: Whoâs the Favorite?
The Jaguars are slight favorites here, with decimal odds hovering around 1.70 (implied probability: ~58.8%). The Saints, at 2.15 (implied probability: ~46.5%), are the underdogs, which feels about right given Jacksonvilleâs⌠unique defensive efforts so far. The spread is a modest Jaguars -2.5, suggesting bookmakers expect a nailbiter. Totals lines sit at 37.5-38.5 points, which is suspiciously low for the NFLâunless weâre talking about a âfield goal contest.â
Digesting the News: Injuries, Scheme Woes, and a Mystery Team
The Jaguarsâ defense? A trainwreck in training. Last week, they allowed the Steelers to march 65 yards for a TD on nine plays, while Head Coach Liam Coen admitted theyâre âlooseâ in coverage. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile now has the unenviable task of fixing a unit that ranked 27th in DVOA last season. Imagine trying to teach a group of overcaffeinated manatees how to play chessâthatâs Campanileâs job.
On the bright side, Trevor Lawrence looked âcomfortableâ in his first preseason start (read: didnât throw a pick-six), and the special teams nailed a 70-yard field goal. But letâs not get carried awayâthis is still a team that let Nick Mullens botch a deep ball like he was throwing a javelin at a buffet.
As for the Saints? Weâre in uncharted territory. The provided data offers zero intel on their roster, injuries, or recent practices. Are they a team of retirees? A squad of former Saints who changed their name? All we know is theyâre playing in New Orleans, which means their defense probably smells like gumbo and regret.
Humorous Spin: A Preseason Farce
The Jaguarsâ defense is so leaky, theyâd let the Mississippi River score a touchdown. Coach Coen wants them to be âstickierâ in zone coverageâgood luck, Captain Glue! Meanwhile, the Saints are a preseason enigma. Are they here to test new uniforms? To see if Sean Paytonâs still friends with the league? No one knows.
Letâs not forget the spread is just 2.5 points. If this game ends 3-0, the Jaguars technically âwinâ by scoring a field goal during halftime. Itâs the NFLâs version of King of the Hill: âWho can punt closest to the sideline?â
Prediction: A Jaguars Win, But Donât Bet Your Gumbo On It
Putting it all together: The Jaguarsâ offense shows enough promise to squeak out a win, while their defense⌠well, at least theyâll be entertaining. The Saints, being a preseason mystery, might trip over their own shoelaces trying to execute a play.
Final Verdict: Jacksonville Jaguars 13, New Orleans Saints 10. Take the Jaguars, but lay the points only if youâre feeling very charitable. And for the love of football, take the underâthis game will be slower than a Saints offensive coordinator on a Monday morning.
âThe Jaguarsâ defense needs to stop being so âlooseââtheyâre giving the Saints enough confidence to start a yoga side hustle.â
Created: Aug. 10, 2025, 5:18 p.m. GMT