Jaguars Are Solid Underdog Bet in NFL Hall of Fame Game Even With Trevor Lawrence Out

Football is back!

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders will play the first preseason game of the 2022 campaign on Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game.

Trevor Lawrence won’t play in this matchup for Jacksonville, as expected, and that has caused some line movement in the spread since last week.

#Jaguars coach Doug Pederson announced that QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne won't play in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday. Expect the #Raiders to be on the same page with several starters watching from the sidelines.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2022

With plenty of players looking to showcase why they deserve a roster spot, how should we bet on the Hall of Fame Game?

First, let’s jump into the latest odds from WynnBET:

Raiders vs. Jaguars Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

Raiders -2.5 (-110)
Jaguars +2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

Raiders: -130
Jaguars: +110

Total:

30.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Raiders vs. Jaguars Odds, Spread and Total Movement in NFL Hall of Fame Game

After opening as 1.5-point favorites, the Raiders have moved to 2.5-point favorites in the Hall of Fame Game.

The total in this game has moved as well, dropping from 33.5 to 30.5 since last week. With starters on both sides sitting this game out, we could be in for a slugfest, especially with these odds.

Raiders vs. Jaguars Best Bet and Prediction

In my original prediction, I broke down why I liked the UNDER in this matchup, but my feelings have shifted to a different best bet.

I don’t understand the overreaction in the line to move it a full point when it was likely that Lawrence was never going to play in this game anyway. Both of these teams are going to be really rusty with this being the first preseason game, and I don’t see why Vegas deserves such an advantage.

The total moving down has turned me to betting Jacksonville as an underdog, and dogs have thrived in the preseason since 1995, covering at a rate of 53.7 percent.

If you’re looking to bet on this game, it’s hard to read into anything but historical trends, since both teams are just feeling things out, so why not give yourself a little cushion with the underdog pick?

Also, don’t forget that Jaguars backup Jake Luton is trying to prove he belongs in the NFL after some shaky performances in years past. He may try to make a statement in this exhibition opener.

Lean: Jaguars +2.5 (-110)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

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