Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers Picks and Predictions September 7th 2025

A New Chapter in Jacksonville

For the third time in five seasons, the Jacksonville Jaguars enter a new era, this time under first-year head coach Liam Coen. The Jaguars host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday to open the 2025 campaign, and the spotlight will be on Coen as he makes his debut.

Coen arrives after a rapid rise through the coaching ranks. Just two years removed from his role as offensive coordinator at Kentucky, he spent last season leading a Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense that ranked among the NFL’s best. Now, he aims to bring the same offensive spark to Jacksonville and revitalize quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Fans and bettors following NFL previews are eager to see how Coen’s influence will shape the Jaguars’ identity.

Trevor Lawrence Seeks Rebound

After earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2022, Trevor Lawrence has struggled to recapture that form. He took a step back in 2023 and missed significant time in 2024 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Coen is focused on rebuilding Lawrence’s confidence and execution, offering constant feedback during practices. The expectation is that the partnership will deliver the same type of success Coen had with Baker Mayfield, who posted a career year under his system in Tampa.

For those tracking quarterback matchups and betting angles, Lawrence’s performance will be critical to upcoming NFL picks

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Travis Hunter Brings Rare Two-Way Talent

General manager James Gladstone made headlines during the draft by trading up to select Travis Hunter with the second overall pick. Hunter, fresh off winning the Heisman Trophy at Colorado, is attempting to do something rarely seen in the modern NFL—play both offense and defense.

With over 1,200 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions in college last year, Hunter’s versatility is unmatched. In the preseason, he played both receiver and cornerback, sparking intrigue about how Jacksonville will deploy him in meaningful games.

Opposing coaches and bettors alike must factor Hunter into their NFL odds evaluations

Panthers Building With Bryce Young

Carolina enters its second season under Dave Canales, who steadied the team after a rough start in 2024. The Panthers went 4-5 over their final nine games, showing significant improvement as Bryce Young began to find his rhythm.

The former No. 1 pick turned things around after being benched early in his rookie year, throwing 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions down the stretch. With rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan joining Xavier Legette, Young has more options in the passing game.

Panthers fans and analysts watching NFL team previews are hopeful Young continues his upward trajectory.

Key Injuries Impacting the Matchup

The Panthers face offensive line uncertainty with left tackle Ikem Ekwonu recovering from an appendectomy. Guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt are also battling injuries, creating potential protection issues against Jacksonville’s defense.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars have their own concerns, with Montaric Brown and Wyatt Milum missing practice time. Depth will be tested in this season opener, and injury reports remain a critical resource for anyone considering expert NFL betting strategies

Betting Outlook

This opener features multiple betting storylines: Coen’s debut, Lawrence’s rebound, Hunter’s two-way role, and Young’s progression. The uncertainty around player deployment and injuries could create opportunities for sharp bettors to capitalize.

Stay updated with the latest buy picks and track performance on the best handicappers leaderboard for insights on this intriguing matchup.