Bryce Young vs Trevor Lawrence. There’s been some moments over the last few years where maybe this wouldn’t have been the sexiest of matchups. But going into the 2025 season, this feels like a big showdown between two teams that want to be contenders. And two former #1 overall NFL quarterback draft picks with a lot to prove. Let’s dive into this Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars preview and predictions.
Carolina didn’t just give up on their guy. They gave Bryce Young time to develop and time to learn. Towards the end of 2024, that promise was showing through, giving the team and fan base hope. Bringing in the big frame wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was huge for this offense, and defensively, scoring Tre’von Moehrig from the Raiders was a huge win.
Jacksonville hired Liam Coen to take over as the head coach and brought back a lot of offensive star power. They made the big move on draft day to trade up to the second overall pick with the Cleveland Browns and get their man, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Hunter is listed as a starting wide receiver and backup defensive back for Week 1 as he looks to play both ways.
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars Preview and Predictions
Brain Thomas Jr Over 78.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
Thomas Jr is one of the many second-year wide receivers from last year’s breakout class that’s looking to have an even bigger year two. Thomas tore up the league down the stretch in 2024. Over the last five games of the season, he cruised past this number, and in three of those games had over 100 yards. He had over 78 yards in all seven of the Jaguars’ games down the stretch. He went over that mark in 11 of Jacksonville’s games last year.
🏈🔥 Brian Thomas Jr. is THE 2025 Fantasy Football WR1! 🚀
🎯WR4 in ‘24 despite
🎯WR12 receptions
🎯WR14 targets.💣Top 5 in EVERY explosive WR metric! 💥
Efficiency + volume = easiest WR1 indicator, and BTJ’s got both this season.Finnally T-Law has an Adult an the room… pic.twitter.com/X0PBY8bVNT
— Big Draft Energy (@BigDraftersHQ) August 28, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars -3.5 (-105)
Like Ryan Kramer of the Sports Gambling Podcast, I, too, have been “Jag-ing off” all offseason. I’ve placed my Trevor Lawrence MVP bets. My Jaguars to win the AFC and Super Bowl bets. They are long shots for a reason, but all the pieces are in place for this team. They need to start executing right out of the gate. At home in the Florida humidity is a great place to kick off Week 1 and start their campaign. Jacksonville wins by four, and we can celebrate.
