Bengals vs. Jaguars: NFL Week 2 Odds, Prediction

After a trip to Cleveland in Week 1, the Bengals open their home schedule with a meeting against Jacksonville. 

Cincinnati overcame its weak starts from past seasons with a Week 1 win over the Browns. It marks only the second time Joe Burrow has won a season opener in his career as the Bengals quarterback. 

The Jaguars excelled in Liam Coen’s debut as head coach. Albeit against a bad Panthers team, Jacksonville captured a blowout victory. Now, the Jaguars face a Bengals team favored to make the postseason. Last year, Jacksonville finished 0-7 against eventual playoff teams. 

Bet on Bengals vs. Jaguars and other NFL matchups with up-to-date NFL odds. 

Bengals vs. Jaguars: NFL Week 2 Odds

Bengals vs. Jaguars Prediction

Monday, September 8

Based on the lookahead line, oddsmakers rated the Bengals as a 5.5-point favorite. 

Heavy support has come in on the Jaguars, which currently sits at +3.5. 

I won’t fault anyone who wants to back the Jaguars in Cincinnati as a dog. To me, it feels very uncomfortable taking the worst of the number on Jacksonville. 

Joe Burrow is 29-15-1 ATS playing a team outside the AFC North in his career, including 20-9-1 as a market favorite. As a favorite between -4.5 and -1: 14-3-1 ATS. 

The problem? He’s playing behind an unquestionably bad defense and offensive line. 

That might render the historical precedent less of a concern for Jaguars backers. Additionally, history suggests bettors are supposed to consider Jacksonville at +3.5. 

Since 2004, conference underdogs in games 2-5 that see a spread change between -4.5 and -2 points are 62-36 (63.3%) ATS, including 21-7 between +2.5 and +3.5. 

Against a team coming off a win: 36-20 (64.3%) ATS, including 9-4 between +2.5 and +3.5. 

Wednesday, September 3

Based on Burrow’s record as a big market favorite and the success of early bad underdogs, my initial Bengals vs Jaguars prediction is the Jaguars Spread (+5.5, -110). 

So much of this game comes down to the closing number. Accordingly, I’ll wait until Sunday night for Week 1 results before deciding on a position. 

Ready for an insane stat? Burrow owns a 14-3-1 ATS record as a favorite of -4.5 or shorter against a non-division opponent. 

At -5 or higher, he drops to 6-6 ATS. 

Right now, the number leaves a touch to be desired. Personally, I’d prefer the Jaguars at +6 or higher. 

At the same time, history suggests it’s a profitable spot to back the Jags. 

Since 2005, road dogs in games 1-2 are 40-12-4 (76.9%) ATS, assuming three factors:

• Both teams missed the playoffs the previous year
• The underdog won between 4 and 6 games the prior year
• The spread falls between +1 and +6.5

Between +5.5 and +6.5, those dogs improve to 13-1 ATS, including 9-1 at +6 or higher. 

Betting Bengals vs. Jaguars: NFL Public Betting