Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins: Predictions and odds

Sunday’s NFL games mean that the 2024 season is in full swing. The first transfer window will see AFC opponents Jacksonville Jaguars and hosts Miami Dolphins face off.

Jacksonville extended the contract with franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence this offseason to a new five-year, $275 million deal. The Jaguars selected wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to strengthen the position after the departure of Calvin Ridley. On defense, Jacksonville brought in Arik Armstead and extended the contract with top pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen.

Miami also extended the contracts of its first-round quarterback, signing Tua Tagovailoa to four years and $212.4 million. He led the league in passing yards last season and could do so again this season with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Miami welcomes new coordinator Anthony Weaver from Baltimore to coach the defense after losing star lineman Christian Wilkins.

NFC South or bust: Can the Falcons meet the high expectations of their strengthened squad?

The matchup between the two AFC teams in Florida could be a high-scoring affair as the two teams’ defenses get into gear under new coordinators. Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday’s game in Miami.

Jaguars vs. Dolphins odds, moneyline, over/under

According to BetMGM NFL odds, Miami is the favorite to start the season with a win. Want to bet? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps that offer NFL betting promotions in 2024, including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

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Spread: Dolphins (-3.5)
Money line: Miami (-175), Jacksonville (+145)
Over/Under: 41.5 points

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Odds, predictions and tips for the first NFL week

USA TODAY: Dolphins 34, Jaguars 22

Lorenzo Reyes says, “I feel like Miami understands that now is the chance to win. Mike McDaniel should get Tua Tagovailoa and that offense going at full speed, and I think the Dolphins are underrated this season. They’re known for starting hot (and then flagging late in the season), so I feel like the Dolphins cover that line, which I would even bump up to 4.5.”

The Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 26, Jaguars 21

Joe Schad writes: “How do you get 26? How about a safety from rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson in his first NFL game? Tua Tagovailoa outshines the overrated Trevor Lawrence in this one. Rookie receiver Jaylen Wright scores his first NFL touchdown.”

Land of the Big Cats (SB Nation): Dolphins 31, Jaguars 27

Dillon Appelman says: “The biggest X-factor is De’Von Achane. Tyreek Hill will do his part and for the most part you just have to live with that. What can’t happen is Achane gaining 20 or 40 yards out of the backfield. If the Jags defense can mitigate his impact, I think that could be the key to winning a difficult road game early in the year.”

Sports Illustrated: Dolphins 37, Jaguars 34

Alain Poupart writes: “Logic tells us that both teams are currently better offensively than defensively in this matchup. Therefore, no one should expect a defensive battle with both teams struggling to score points… This should be an exciting game with plenty of big plays, and it could go either way, but we could see Jason Sanders winning it with a late field goal.”