The line in Sunday’s Panthers vs. Jaguars matchup opened at 7, but has dropped to 4.5 in favor of the underdog. Is it smart to follow the line movement and back Carolina or is there a better bet on the board?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
115 Carolina Panthers (+4.5) at 116 Jacksonville Jaguars (-4.5); o/u 36.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 31, 2023
EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
TV: CBS
Panthers vs. Jaguars Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 62% of public bettors are currently backing the Jaguars when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Carolina Panthers DFS Spin
Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. The downgrade from limited to missing practice does not bode well for the lead back ahead of the team’s Week 17 matchup with the Jaguars, although he’ll have one more chance to get on the practice field before the weekend. Fantasy managers in championship week will want to keep a close eye on Hubbard’s status considering the veteran journeyman has emerged as a true workhorse back of late.
Jacksonville Jaguars DFS Spin
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is out for Week 17 against the Panthers. Lawrence had an uphill battle to play in Week 17 after leaving the team’s Week 16 game with a shoulder injury, which appeared to be an aggravation of a previous injury after he was seen favoring the shoulder without being hit. It’ll be up to C.J. Beathard to preserve the Jagaurs’ current status atop the AFC South.
Panthers vs. Jaguars Betting Trends
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Jacksonville
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Carolina’s last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Jacksonville’s last 23 games at home
Jacksonville is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Panthers vs. Jaguars Prediction:
Take Carolina. Quietly, the Panthers have improved over the past month. They covered as a 3.5-point underdog at Raymond James Stadium in a 21-18 loss against the Bucs in Week 13. They were shredded by the Saints in Week 14 as a 5.5-point underdog, but returned home and staged a last-minute comeback in a 9-7 win over the Falcons as a 2.5-point dog. Then last Sunday, they nearly completed a come-from-behind victory against the Packers before falling 33-30 as a 3.5-point home dog. There’s a reason why they haven’t been more than 5.5-point dog since Week 11; oddsmakers also see the improvement in Carolina.
On the other side, the Jaguars have dropped four straight games outright and four straight against the spread. Lawrence being banged up hurts, but the loss of Christian Kirk in that 34-31 overtime loss to the Bengals in Week 13 was also significant. Their defense has also been shredded the past four weeks, allowing 34, 31, 23 and 30 points in their last four contests. These two teams are heading in different directions as the regular season end is near.
Panthers vs. Jaguars NFL Prediction: CAROLINA PANTHERS +4.5
