Broncos vs. Jaguars Free Pick
In a game that should pack zero offensive firepower, the Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Denver Broncos in Week 1 of the 2010 NFL season. Let’s breakdown the matchup.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Jaguars 2.5-point favorites over the Broncos, while the over/under total is currently listed at 40.5 points.
Broncos’ strengths vs. Jaguars’ weaknesses
Now that Kyle Orton is in his second year in head coach Josh McDaniels’ system, he’ll be better prepared at the snap to beat the defense. The Jaguars have a good set of linebackers, but their pass rush isn’t anything to write home about and their secondary is a huge weakness. Even though Orton doesn’t have the best compliment of receivers, he should be able to get the ball down field and move the chains if his offensive line gives him enough time.
Jaguars’ strengths vs. Broncos’ weakness
Denver is going to have a problem generating a pass rush all season without outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. That means David Garrard should have plenty of time to find Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas and tight end Marcedes Lewis, even though the Broncos’ boast a solid secondary. After all, a defensive backfield’s best friend is a good pass rush, which is something the Broncos don’t have.
Prediction:
Neither of these two teams have game-breakers on the offensive side of the ball and there are some questions about the health of running back Maurice Jones-Drew. I think oddsmakers have set the total too high in this one and my top play in this game is the under 40.5. As far as the side is concerned, the Broncos should be able to move the ball through the air and even if running back Knowshon Moreno doesn’t have a good day on the ground, he’s going to be a weapon out of the backfield. I see the Broncos winning outright in a close, low-scoring affair.
2010 NFL Free Pick: DENVER BRONCOS +2.5 & UNDER 40.5