Jacksonville Jaguars

Leaps and Bounds

The 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars were 10-6 after being a 3-13 team in 2016, making them the most impressive comeback story of last season under new head coach Doug Marrone, who was appointed from interim coach to head coach in the final two games of 2016. This year the expectations are a little different, and they are less likely to catch teams by surprise.

That doesn't make them any less of a good team, however, and Jacksonville Jaguars betting odds in 2018 are among the best in the league. With only six other teams with better odds to win the Super Bowl this year, Jaguars betting odds are way up from just two years ago. For more information on odds and open lines, visit our NFL sportsbook.

Defense leads the way

There is no doubt about what made the Jaguars good in 2017; defense lead the way all throughout the season. Jacksonville finished in the top of the league in five different defensive categories: forced fumbles (17), completion percentage (56.8), passing yards allowed per game (169.9), passer rating (68.5) and defensive touchdowns (7). They also finished second in sacks (55), interceptions (21), total takeaways (33), yards allowed per game (286.1) and points allowed per game (16.8). To honor the Jaguar's defensive efforts, six players from the team's defense were sent to the Pro Bowl.

All six of those players, Jalen Ramsey, Telvin Smith, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue and AJ Bouye are back for another go with the Jags in 2018.

In a Big Rush

Along with their spectacular defense, the Jaguars were also the top rushing offense in the NFL in 2017, averaging 141 rush yards per game. The bulk of the rushing duties laid on Leonard Fournette, who finished the season with 1040 yards on 268 carries in his rookie year in the NFL. Fournette was followed in rushing yards by Chris Ivory and QB Blake Bortles, each of whom had over 300 yards rushing last year. All three are back again for another go in 2018.

To bolster an already-solid offense in 2018, the Jaguars have added Guard Andrew Norwell, as well as tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Norwell is a big pickup, as he is a former All-Pro guard who had played the last four seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

Holes to Fill

Despite a very well-rounded roster that had great success last year, there are still some areas where the Jaguars could get better.

At middle linebacker there is still no established starter, as Myles Jack is expected to take the position left open by the retirement of Paul Posluszny but has not been confirmed. Last year both players got turns at the position, but neither gave a performance convincing enough to warrant making them the starter.

The Jags also want to bolster their passing game to take some relief off the rushers and did so this offseason by signing receivers Donte Moncrief and D.J. Chark. Moncrief had a big year in 2015 playing with Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, but has since been plagued by injuries. Chark is a 2018 round 2 draft pick. He had 874 yards on 40 receptions last year at LSU.

The Jags are hoping that with their defense still intact and their offense now featuring more options, they can continue improving in 2018.