Josh McDaniels is Bill Belichick’s latest assistant to get an NFL head coaching job. In fact, McDaniels will be getting his second bit at the apple. Over a decade ago, McDaniels flopped as the unprepared head coach of the Denver Broncos. He was too young and inexperienced to beat the NFL betting odds. And it showed. McDaniels went back to the New England Patriots for another successful stint as offensive coordinator. In like manner to McDaniels is Doug Pederson getting a second head coaching gig. Pederson takes over the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2022 campaign.
2022 NFL Hall of Fame Game Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 4, 2022, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguars | -2½ (-110) | 30½ (-110) | -135 |  |
| Raiders | +2½ (-110) | 30½ (-110) | +115 | |
| ||||
Raiders vs. Jaguars SBG Odds Overview
On this occasion, we have a stark contrast in sportsbook brands. Las Vegas is one of the most popular teams on the NFL board. The Raiders have a great fan base that will bet on them, preseason or not. By contrast, the Jaguars carry no credibility with the gambling public. They have been one of the worst franchises in all of pro sports.
Raiders Seek to Build on Successful 2021 Campaign
Last year was one of tumult for the Raiders and their fans. Las Vegas had to fire head coach Jon Gruden after past controversial emails were uncovered. Rich Bisaccia took over and led the Raiders to a wild card playoff spot. But owner Mark Davis was not satisfied with a mistake-filled playoff loss at Cincinnati. Also, Davis has been under intense fire for diversity and sexual harassment allegations regarding the franchise. To change the narrative, Davis hired Josh McDaniels.
It is true that much of the McDaniels’ reputation was built on Tom Brady. The GOAT can make almost any offensive coordinator look good. But the 2021 season was perhaps the best example of McDaniels’ potential. Raw rookie quarterback Mac Jones partnered with McDaniels to generate a playoff campaign. That accomplishment did not go unnoticed in the NFL.
Jaguars Reboot for Trevor Lawrence
Last year Jacksonville drafted Trevor Lawrence first overall in the NFL Draft. Lawrence was hailed as the man that would transform the Jaguars franchise. And with rookie NFL head coach Urban Meyer coming aboard, a future dynasty was touted. Instead, Meyer was fired before the season even ended. There were allegations that Meyer was abusive, which he vehemently denies.
Also humiliating were the photos of Meyer grabbing the rear of a young woman at his restaurant. It was worse after a loss in which Meyer didn’t fly home with the team.
Now Doug Pederson takes over with strong credentials. Pederson was the head coach of the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl championship team. And he built his NFL career as an offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Pederson has NFL gravitas and professionalism that Meyer could never hope to match.
Raiders vs. Jaguars SBG Free Picks
In this situation, the Jaguars make a good contrarian play for Pro Football Bets. Jacksonville will likely play its key players more in this game. Las Vegas is a contender that doesn’t want key players injured.
Raiders vs. Jaguars SBG Best Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars.