Week 1 Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers, Predictions, Travis Hunter Update and More
This season is a big one for Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars haven’t made the playoffs since 2022, and many analysts and critics are putting the blame on him. In June 2024, Lawrence signed a five-year, $275 million contract. The deal includes $200 million in guaranteed money and a no-trade clause, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL at the time of signing, tied with Joe Burrow. Since then, his play hasn’t backed up what he’s being paid, raising the question: Is he worth his contract?
2024-25 Heisman winner and No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter suffered a minor upper-body injury in training camp, raising concerns that it might carry into Week 1 of the regular season. However, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Hunter has been lifted off the injury list and is on track to make his NFL regular-season debut.
Another question surrounding Hunter is what his primary position will be. Many consider him the most elite two-way player in college football history. He played an incredible 2,625 snaps over two seasons at Colorado, averaging an FBS-high 111.5 snaps per game. The Week 1 depth chart lists Hunter as a starting wide receiver and a backup cornerback. Most analysts believe he should have been listed as a primary wide receiver after college. His offensive stats were nothing short of spectacular, finishing with 149 receptions for 1,820 yards and 18 touchdowns over 27 games, averaging 12.2 yards per catch.
“Yeah, we’re still working through it right now. You obviously miss a lot of time there that you know can impact playing anybody; nonetheless, a rookie that misses quite a bit of time. So what that usage looks like, we’re still working through.”
“We’re just excited to get him out there. He’s a dynamic player, and we’ll see how it unfolds against Carolina.” Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said this when asked about Hunter’s role and availability heading into Week 1 against the Panthers.
Key Matchups
Tetairoa McMillan and Hunter have been rivals since high school, and now, as two of the top rookies in this year’s draft, their matchup is exciting for fans if Hunter gets enough defensive snaps.
Jaguars Keys to Victory
Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne, and the run game will be key factors. If they get going, it will keep the Panthers’ defense honest and open up opportunities for Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr.
Prediction
This game is expected to be a hard-fought, grueling matchup, as both teams have a lot to prove. I expect Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to have a strong performance, but I believe Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense will finish on top.
Jaguars 24, Panthers 20